Biofertilizers, Biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management: Potentials and Challenges in the Islamic Republic of Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran has a rich agricultural background; agriculture accounts for 10% of the GDP and provides livelihood to about 30% of the population. Efforts to increase farm productivity resulted in importing pesticides with about 3000 tons annually between 2012 and 2014; therefore, there is urgent need for using alternatives such as application of biofertilizers and biopesticides in integrated pest management (IPM) systems. With the rapid development in biotechnology techniques, many scientists in Iran hope to solve the country’s food problems more efficiently. The number of companies engaged in the production of biofertilizers and biopesticides in Iran is far from the number of fingers. Fortunately, public health issue and the need for environmental protection are mentioned in the 20-year plan of the government which indicates that main authorities concern on the production of healthy products. The bright side of market development for biofertilizers and biopesticides in the world, the benefits of using them to provide community health and growing awareness of the people of Iran, provide the legal framework and accompaniment of high-level officials in the field of development in this industry. Moreover, the young population of Iran and raising interests in biofertilizers and biopesticides research and commercialization at research institutes and universities can be considered as promising perspective.