The controversy over the use of genetically modified (gm) crops in Iran is set to accelerate, with the un Food and Agriculture Organization (fao) recently deciding to implement projects worth us $6 million in the country. fao country director Abdur Rashid was quoted as saying that the organisation will implement 25 agricultural projects in Iran, in cooperation with the country's Ministry of Agriculture Jihad. He also discussed with authorities several issues like promoting irrigated farming and increasing the use of gm seeds.

Iranian environmental groups are opposed to the use of gm seeds. The Department of Environment, the main environmental body, has decried the government's plans to bring 200,000 hectares of land under cultivation of gm rice to boost production with the help of nanotechnology.