Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 14
By Fatih Karimov – Trend:
Iran's total precipitation during the current crop year (started on Sept. 22) decreased by 50 percent compared to the same period of preceding year, the Islamic Republic's energy ministry reported.
The lowest rainfall decrease was registered in Golestan province with 75.1 millimeters of precipitation and 14 percent fall, meanwhile Kermanshah province witnessed the highest rainfall decrease with 0.9 millimeters of precipitation (a 100-percent decrease) during the period.
Iran's total precipitation during the last crop year (ended Sept. 21) stood at 241 millimeters, 22 percent more year-on-year.
Iran is located in an arid zone and the country faces a serious water shortage crisis.
The country’s total annual water consumption is approximately 93 billion cubic meters, out of which about 92 percent is used in agriculture (86 billion cubic meters), 6.6 percent in municipality (6.18 billion cubic meters), and 1.2 percent in industry (1.12 billion cubic meters), according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Up to 70 percent of water used in the agriculture sector is being wasted, Iranian officials say.