Traditional agriculture in Iran : Ensuring the Quality of Organic Medicinal Plants

Traditional agriculture in Iran

Traditional Agriculture in Iran : The Secret to the Quality of Organic Medicinal Plants

In an era when industrial agriculture and the widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have affected a large part of the agricultural production chain, the valuable and enduring practice of traditional agriculture still thrives in various corners of Iran.

Traditional agriculture in Iran is not only a reflection of indigenous knowledge and the experiences of past generations but also one of the key reasons for the high quality of organic medicinal plants in the country. Avoiding chemicals, harvesting carefully, and naturally drying plants in rural areas create conditions in which these products, in terms of medicinal properties, closely align with the standards of traditional Chinese medicine. ( Traditional Iranian Agriculture )

Examining Traditional Agriculture in Iran and Comparing It with Modern Agriculture

Agriculture in Iran has a long history and has always been a vital part of the country’s economic and social structure, dating back to the formation of rural communities and the beginning of agricultural life. Traditional agriculture in Iran is based on basic tools, indigenous knowledge, and the use of natural resources such as qanats, springs, and organic fertilizers, and it has continued for centuries as the main method of food production. Although this type of agriculture is the product of generations of experience, it has faced multiple challenges over time, including soil fertility decline, high water consumption, and low production yields.

In contrast, modern agriculture emerged to meet the growing needs of the population, achieve higher efficiency from limited resources, and utilize advanced tools. Rooted in the Agricultural Revolution of 18th-century England, this approach has significantly increased land productivity through the use of advanced machinery, electronic tools, management software, and scientific data.

Mechanization, which refers to performing agricultural operations using machines instead of human labor, is a core element of modern agriculture. However, in Iran, due to insufficient infrastructure, fragmented farmland, lack of appropriately sized machinery, and inadequate farmer training, this process has not been fully realized. Many machines are incompatible with small plots, and improper use leads to lower productivity and higher production costs.

Traditional agriculture in Iran, especially in rural areas and particularly regarding medicinal plants, still holds a special place. Products cultivated using traditional methods and without chemical pesticides are not only in harmony with nature but also of higher quality. ( Traditional Iranian Agriculture )

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Traditional Methods of Cultivating, Harvesting, and Drying Medicinal Plants

In Iran, many rural areas still use traditional methods to cultivate, harvest, and dry medicinal plants. When executed correctly, these methods can produce high-quality final products. However, improper drying can lead to mold growth, such as aflatoxins, which reduces plant quality.

During cultivation and harvesting, plant parts are separated using sharp tools like knives or garden scissors. If the plant is not immediately exposed to air in a thin layer, internal enzymes activate, altering chemical compounds. These changes can often be detected by characteristic scents, such as those of garlic and valerian.

Drying requires a gradual reduction of moisture. Initial washing removes dust, followed by a drying process that makes the plants brittle. Over-drying destroys active compounds and increases contamination risk, while under-drying promotes spoilage and mold growth.

Direct sunlight is generally unsuitable for drying most medicinal plants because it reduces essential oils, alters color, and lowers quality. Shade and cool environments are preferable. For some plants, such as lavender, it is recommended to hang flowering branches before petals fall—a common traditional method in Iran where proper airflow is crucial.

The use of devices like heaters, ovens, or industrial dryers is also common. In home methods, temperature must remain low to prevent burning, while industrial dryers, equipped with thermometers and humidity sensors, ensure higher quality through precise control. Proper storage of dried plants is also critical—they should be kept away from light in non-plastic containers such as glass, cardboard, or jute.

The Future Outlook of Traditional Agriculture in Iran

Despite the unique advantages of traditional agriculture for producing organic medicinal plants, it faces challenges. Declining rural labor, migration to cities, and economic pressures have reduced the younger generation’s interest in traditional farming. Additionally, climate change and fluctuations in water resources make it difficult to continue production without modern technologies.

However, combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods can provide a suitable solution to maintain product quality and increase productivity. For example, using drip irrigation systems, intercropping, and soil improvement with organic fertilizers can significantly enhance yields without altering the traditional nature of the methods. Training rural farmers in natural resource conservation, optimal harvesting, and proper storage is key to the sustainability of this agricultural style.

Conclusion

Traditional agriculture in Iran, relying on indigenous knowledge and avoiding chemical pesticides, remains a common method for producing medicinal plants in many rural areas. This production style, based on traditional methods of cultivation, harvesting, and drying, is in harmony with nature and preserves therapeutic properties, closely resembling the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.

Compared to modern agriculture, which relies on machinery and technology to increase productivity and meet growing population demands, traditional agriculture produces healthier, higher-quality products despite some limitations. Adhering to precise harvesting, gradual drying, and proper storage methods is the key to preserving the quality of these medicinal plants.