Taking on the water crisis in Iran

Iran lies on the world’s dryland belt, with much of its territory affected by arid and semi-arid climates. According to the World Resources Institute, the country ranks among those facing severe water scarcity.

For decades, the response was large-scale dam construction, but these interventions disrupted natural water flows, especially in agriculture, where downstream access was reduced. As a result, many farmers turned to aquifers, drilling wells to meet their needs, further depleting underground reserves.

Combined with inefficient water use in agriculture – which still consumes over 80 per cent of available water – the crisis has intensified. Despite government attempts to regulate consumption, water scarcity in Iran has reached a critical level.

However, Alireza (Shahab) Emami, CEO of Zarrin Group, believes a different path is available. “Global experience suggests that reform, technological innovation and a shift in mindset can offer a way forward,” he says. “For Iran, the transition to sustainable agriculture is no longer optional – it’s essential.”

Emami acknowledges the progress made in adopting agricultural technology, but says it’s not enough. “Despite advancements, the pace of change is too slow,” he notes. “Private companies and knowledge-based enterprises are introducing modern techniques, but traditional farming methods remain dominant.”

The barriers? High costs and limited technical expertise among farmers. Emami believes financial support is key. “Government loans and subsidies, combined with private investment, could help modern equipment enter the market more rapidly,” he says. “Modernisation and entry into competitive markets would not only improve quality but also enhance water productivity.”

Education, he stresses, is equally vital. “A major reason for farmers’ reluctance to adopt new practices is lack of technical knowledge,” he says. “With proper training, they would be more open to precision farming and mechanisation, which can increase yields, reduce environmental impact and support data-driven decisions. These tools allow for better resource allocation and build resilience to climate challenges.”

Emami also highlights the need for smarter product selection. “Iran’s climate enables diverse cultivation, but some crops lack a comparative advantage,” he says. “In such cases, imports may be more water- and cost-efficient. Extra-territorial cultivation or overseas farming can help supply goods that are difficult to grow domestically, while also supporting exports via host country infrastructure.”

He points to weak collaboration between universities and the agribusiness sector as another missed opportunity. “Stronger ties could foster local, climate-compatible solutions – such as greywater reuse or desalination – tailored to regional capabilities,” Emami suggests. “Beyond agriculture, the crisis affects public health. Dialysis, a water-intensive treatment, requires 120-150 litres of water per session. Iran’s 40,000 dialysis patients present a growing challenge to both the health system and water infrastructure.”

In response, Zarrin Group’s “Daliz Health” clinic offers free dialysis services, part of its philanthropic mission to improve the quality of life for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The clinic also provides specialised consultations and psychological support, contributing to a more health-conscious and compassionate society – one that recognises water not only as a resource, but as a human need.