Exporting water-intensive crops and fruits, such as watermelon and pistachio that comprises the virtual export of water, is taking a heavy toll on depleting groundwater resources, a faculty member of the Geology Department at Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan Province said.
“Close to 1 million tons of watermelon are sold to neighboring countries annually, due to which at least 300 million cubic meters of water are extracted from dwindling groundwater resources in a country that is among the top three with the highest land subsidence rate,” Hesam Mohseni was also quoted as saying by ISNA.
Annual watermelon production in Iran is about 3 million tons, of which 40% are exported to 43 countries, he added, noting that the production of each kilo of the water-intensive crop requires at least 300 liters of water.
The faculty member regretted that officials are trumpeting their success in circumventing US sanctions through agro exports like pistachio and watermelon, but they are oblivious of the fact that the number of plains from which water withdrawal is banned has increased from 15 in 1968 to 405 at present, marking a rise of 2,600%.
It is noteworthy that a high proportion of watermelon is sold to Turkey, which has abundant sources of water, on which it is building huge dams and depriving Iran of its portion of shared water resources.
The number of banned plains is appalling, as they account for 95% of the underground water reserves that are being depleted faster than presumed.
Close to 41 billion cubic meters of water are being extracted from authorized wells that must be cut to 27 bcm.
"Water deficit from underground sources has reached 140 bcm and so no more licenses should be issued to dig wells," he said, noting that current extraction levels should be reduced by at least 14 bcm per annum.
Pistachio Exports
According to Ebrahim Raisi, a member of Iran Water Industry Federation, a privately-owned organization, pistachio exports account for 50% of water exported from Iran virtually.
“Annually, close to 20 billion cubic meters of water are exported from Iran virtually, half of which is for selling pistachio in international markets,” he said.
“Annual pistachio production in the country is about 250,000 tons, of which 50% are exported to 70 countries.”
Raisi said self-sufficiency in food production is definitely of great importance, but over-extraction from depleting groundwater resources has already taken a heavy toll on plains and most of them are losing the battle against land subsidence.
Water-intensive fruits should either not be farmed, or be farmed in proportion to its water costs.
In a water-scarce country like Iran, water should not be wasted on growing food products that can be imported. When a country imports water-intensive crops instead of producing them, it is saving water. The procedure, referred to as virtual water trade, needs to be adapted sooner in Iran.
According to Gholamhossein Shafei, the head of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, water scarcity is largely a product of poor management of water resources and imprudent consumption.
“If the current pattern were to continue, new economic, social and political problems will arise,” he warned.
"Decision-makers have often stressed the need and significance of proper management of water resources. But words are not enough to solve the crisis. Operational measures are the need of the day."
Shafei is of the opinion that water paucity is the most formidable challenge that will cripple future economic development plans.
"It is regrettable that despite all warnings issued by domestic and international research institutes, policymakers still insist on pursuing poor strategies that have been practiced over the past four decades."
The official noted that water-intensive agro farming and industries are expanding in desert areas like Kashan County in the central Isfahan Province, pointing out that steel mill owners are developing their plants in arid regions by buying dry farmlands.
Critical Juncture
When a plain reaches a critical juncture and starts to subside, reversing the trend will be very time-consuming and it may take 50 years to avert the disaster.
Land subsidence is not just a hazardous geographical phenomenon, but a major security issue, as it can damage infrastructural facilities, such as highways, airports, bridges and hospitals.
Experts, including Reza Hajikarim, a board member of Iran Water Industry Federation, believe the country’s water scarcity will hit crisis level by 2025, when renewable water will be less than 1,000 cubic meters per capita, down from 2,000 cubic meters in 1950.
Economic experts have often warned about the high consumption patterns in the farming sector and are on record that water is being extracted much faster than it can be replenished.
They believe large parts of the water-stressed country will turn into barren desert if those in charge don’t change course and rewrite the centuries-old agricultural policies that are unsustainable.
However, all their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. How, when and where things will take a turn for the better remains to be seen.
Officials say at least 90% of Iran’s natural water resources have already been depleted to meet domestic needs and relying on natural reserves alone is now simply a thing of the past. They need to invest in using desalinated water for drinking purposes and treated wastewater for other uses.
