Agriculture employs a significant portion of Iran's workforce and contributes substantially to the GDP, despite the country's arid climate. Only about 10-12% of Iran's land is arable, heavily reliant on both modern and ancient irrigation networks (such as qanats).
Major staple crops include wheat, rice, barley, and potatoes. Iran is a global agricultural powerhouse in specific niche markets: it is the world's leading producer of saffron, pistachios, and pomegranates, and a top producer of dates, walnuts, and apricots.
Livestock farming is predominantly focused on sheep and goats, which provide meat and wool, while the dairy and poultry sectors are largely industrialized. Historically and currently, the Caspian Sea supports a notable fishing industry, globally renowned for its high-quality Beluga caviar.
