A New Green Revolution in Iran’s Agriculture: The Late Dr. Sasan Aliniaei Fard on the Imperative of Smart Greenhouses and Soilless Cultivation

In one of his final in-depth interviews with the University’s digital media platform, Dr. Aliniaei Fard emphasized the urgent need for a fundamental transformation in Iran’s agricultural practices. His vision called for the widespread adoption of smart greenhouses and soilless cultivation systems—not merely as technological advancements, but as essential responses to the country’s escalating water crisis.

“These systems, originally developed by NASA to grow food in space, are now essential for ensuring food security here on Earth,” he remarked, referring to hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming. “Their implementation in Iran marks a crucial step toward achieving sustainable and resilient food production.”

Dr. Aliniaei Fard’s insights were forward-looking and deeply grounded in environmental urgency. With the global population expected to surpass 9 billion by 2050, he argued that the next agricultural revolution must be driven by precision, sustainability, and resource efficiency.

“The greenhouses of the future must evolve into intelligent systems, capable of delivering high-quality yields with minimal water consumption, regardless of location or climate conditions,” he said.

He was particularly concerned about Iran’s over-reliance on traditional farming methods, which account for up to 90% of the country’s freshwater usage. In contrast, he explained that soilless cultivation combined with automation could reduce that consumption by 95 to 99 percent—a game-changing prospect in the face of worsening droughts.

“This is not just a technological breakthrough,” he said. “It is an urgent environmental necessity.”

Dr. Aliniaei Fard also foresaw the increasing role of automation and robotics in agriculture, predicting a future where comprehensive mechanization would replace labor-intensive practices, enhance quality, and optimize productivity.

Above all, he called for national commitment and long-term policy vision, stating:

“The future of Iran’s food security hinges on our readiness to embrace innovation. Strategic investment in smart agriculture today is vital to safeguarding the country’s food sovereignty and environmental sustainability in the years ahead.”

As a distinguished researcher and a leading authority in advanced agricultural systems, Dr. Sasan Aliniaei Fard’s work continues to resonate strongly within Iran’s scientific and policy communities. Though he is no longer with us, his vision endures—a testament to his unwavering commitment to a sustainable, food-secure future for Iran.