Mission of FRWO is to Preserve Natural Resources

Head of FRWO said: "One of FRWO's great missions is to preserve natural resources especially soil as a public asset that belongs to all generations."

According to FRWO's website, Massoud Mansour who attended the opening a 16,000 hectares orchard project in steep slope lands in Doroud-Lorestan province noted: "FRWO employs all mechanical, biomechanical and biological operations to conserve soil, however it gives priority to biological operation that in addition to preserving soil, improve the production yield and livelihood of local communities."

Head of FRWO noted that vast areas of lands in our country are located in steep slopes. If they are used as low-yield rainfed agriculture they are not only economically viable but at the same time they lead to soil erosion, however if planted with tree species or medicinal herbs, they can reduce soil erosion and contribute to the production and employment of local people."

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jahad pointed out: "From 2017 to 2019 crop years, over 61,000 hectares of orchards have been established on low-yield steep slopes throughout the country that created more than 20,000 direct jobs and a rise of 183,000 tons in production yield."

He stated: "In 2019-2020 crop year, about 16,800 hectares have been allocated to establishment of orchards, including 14000 hectares for tree species and 2400 hectares for medicinal herbs cultivation, that create 5,610 direct jobs and an increase of 48,000 tons in production yield."

He stated that the lion share of the 337 billion RL investment of this project has been provided by the local communities and said: "It is planned that 60,000 hectares of steep slopes go under the projects by the end of Rouhani Administration which would be practically some 20,000 hectares more than the commitment in the national plan."