Low rainfall and high temperatures in Iran necessitate irrigation and over half the cultivated land is irrigated. Water availability and salinity are major constraints. Iran has long been a major importer of wheat but in 2003 and 2004 domestic wheat production almost satisfied the national demand. Several governmental measures supported production of the crop and favourable rainfall after a drought was also a major factor. Yields of both irrigated and rainfed wheat are low by world standards. The intensification of production, in particular through a greater efficiency of fertilization and irrigation, is required in order to achieve a permanent reduction in the country's dependence on wheat imports, even under less favourable climatic conditions.
