Fars Province in southern Iran remains a major global center for sustainable rainfed fig cultivation. Consequently, the region produces more than 75 percent of Iran’s domestic fig varieties.
Local orchards account for approximately 17 percent of global fig production through centuries-old agricultural traditions. Specifically, Estahban County leads regional production with roughly 2.6 million active fig trees.
These productive orchards cover nearly 26,000 hectares across the province’s arid landscapes. Therefore, Estahban ranks among the world’s most important centers for specialized dryland agriculture.
For more than two centuries, local farming families have passed valuable cultivation knowledge across generations. Furthermore, experienced growers combine traditional practices with modern water-management techniques to withstand severe drought conditions.
Their innovative rainwater collection systems efficiently capture scarce rainfall during prolonged dry seasons. Consequently, these soil conservation methods reduce erosion while supporting the long-term sustainability of local orchards.
Rainfed fig production in Fars Province also supports the economic and social stability of farming communities. Thousands of households depend directly or indirectly on annual harvests for their livelihoods.
Moreover, these extensive agricultural ecosystems provide important nourishment for domestic livestock and surrounding wildlife. During harvest periods, residents from nearby urban areas regularly travel to rural orchards for seasonal picking.
This shared agricultural work strengthens community connections while supporting essential harvesting operations each year. Ultimately, these time-tested farming practices could offer valuable solutions for sustainable agriculture in other arid regions worldwide.