Exchange Rate Fluctuations and Water Shortages Challenge Legumes Imports in Iran
Mr. Davoud Lapehchi, President of the Iranian Legumes Association
According to Engineer Lapehchi, until the end of 1403 (March 2025), legumes were subject to the 28,500 Toman preferential exchange rate, but from early 1404 (April 2025), the preferential exchange rate for legumes was removed and replaced by the Nima exchange rate of 50,000 Toman.
This led to a 100% jump in the price of legumes. In addition, in early 1404, the Nima system was also dismantled and the exchange rate for legumes was set at 70,000 Tomans based on the gold and foreign exchange system, which led to another 40% increase in the price of legumes. Finally, in a duration of a year, the price of legumes increased by 120%.
The need to import 250,000 tons of grains annually
Pointing out that 60 to 70 percent of the country’s need for legumes is met through domestic production, he said: About 30 to 40 percent of the need for legumes is met through imports. On the other hand, per capita consumption of legumes in the country is 9 to 10 kilograms, which makes the country’s total consumption in the legumes sector 800,000 tons. Of this amount, considering the rainy year, we need to import 200 to 250,000 tons of legumes annually.
