In today's world, where herbal medicines have become one of the largest lucrative markets, Iran's share of this market is astonishingly less than 0.05%. The head of the Herbal Medicine, Saffron, and Food Products Union announced in a press conference that the financial turnover of herbal medicines in 2023 is $120 billion and pointed to the concerning implications of this statistic for the country.
Why is Iran's share so low?
Although Iran is one of the countries with a very high plant diversity and has significant potential in this area, it has been unable to achieve a suitable position in the global market due to various reasons, including insufficient support, lack of necessary infrastructure, and low processing quality. This issue is particularly concerning at a time when many countries are looking to exploit herbal medicines for new product development and disease treatment.
Challenges on the path to growth
The head of the Herbal Medicine Union stated that Iran must move towards producing high-quality products and exporting them, saying: "Unfortunately, the lack of attention to this sector and inadequate investment has prevented Iran from utilizing its capacities. Meanwhile, other countries are making the best use of this market."
This official also referred to global statistics and said: "Many countries, considering their potentials, are rapidly growing in this market, and we must not fall behind this trend. If we do not pay attention to this issue, we will not only be excluded from the global market but will also face more economic problems."
Proposed solutions for improving the situation
To improve the current situation, it is necessary for the government and the private sector to collaborate more in the field of research and development in this area. Additionally, creating necessary infrastructure, training farmers and producers, and establishing reputable brands can help boost this market. The head of the Herbal Medicine Union believes that with proper planning and comprehensive cooperation, Iran can become one of the main players in the global herbal medicine market.
Ultimately, it should be noted that the global herbal medicine market is not only a great opportunity for the country's economy but can also contribute to improving community health and enhancing the quality of life for people. Therefore, it is time for Iran to take this issue seriously and capitalize on its potentials.
