Iranian Farmers Turn to Cow Dung and Compost Amid Fertilizer Shortage

When the Iranian war‑time economy tightened its grip on imports, the ripple effect reached the most unexpected places – the humble family farms scattered across the country. Suddenly, bags of synthetic fertilizer that once arrived on truckloads became scarce, and the price tags that did appear made many smallholders pause.

"We used to get urea for a few thousand rials a kilogram," says Hossein, a wheat farmer near Isfahan. "Now it’s three, four times that. It’s not something a family can afford, especially after a bad harvest." The reality is that sanctions have choked off much of the conventional fertilizer supply chain, and domestic producers simply can’t keep up with demand.

Faced with that dilemma, a surprising number of farmers have started looking back – literally – to the ground beneath their feet. Cow dung, once considered just waste, is now being collected, stored, and turned into a cheap, locally‑produced fertilizer. In many villages, the old practice of spreading fresh manure onto fields is making a comeback, albeit with a few modern tweaks.

One of the most visible signs of this shift is the rise of small composting pits lining the outskirts of rural homes. Families are gathering kitchen scraps, dried leaves, and even the occasional straw bale, letting nature do the heavy lifting. After a few weeks to a few months – depending on the mix and the weather – the material turns into dark, crumbly compost that can be sprinkled onto seedbeds.

"It’s not as fast as chemical fertilizer," admits Fatemeh, who runs a vegetable plot near Shiraz. "But it’s consistent, and my soil feels healthier. I see more earthworms, and the plants seem sturdier. Plus, I’m saving money – the compost costs me nothing but time."

Local agricultural extension officers have begun to lend a hand, too. Workshops are being held in community centers, where agronomists explain the right carbon‑to‑nitrogen ratios, the importance of aeration, and how to avoid common pitfalls like excessive moisture that leads to foul smells.

Even the military‑linked farming cooperatives, which were originally set up to feed soldiers, are experimenting with these organic methods. Some reports suggest that the Revolutionary Guard’s agricultural wing is providing guidance on large‑scale composting, recognizing that a self‑sufficient food system reduces dependence on foreign inputs.

Nevertheless, the transition isn’t without challenges. Organic fertilizers release nutrients more slowly, which means timing is critical, especially for crops that need a quick nitrogen boost. Moreover, not every farmer has enough livestock to generate sufficient dung, prompting many to pool resources with neighbors.

There’s also a cultural element at play. For decades, the narrative of modern agriculture in Iran equated success with high‑tech, chemically‑enhanced inputs. Shifting that mindset toward a more “back‑to‑the‑soil” approach requires patience, education, and, admittedly, a little bit of stubbornness.

Still, the numbers are beginning to show promise. Preliminary data from the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that regions where compost use has risen see a modest uptick in yield stability, even if overall production remains below pre‑sanction levels. For many, that modest gain is worth the extra effort.

Looking ahead, experts say that Iran’s fertilizer dilemma could become a catalyst for longer‑term sustainability. If the country can blend limited synthetic inputs with a robust organic base, it may not only weather the current crisis but also emerge with a more resilient agricultural sector.

In the meantime, the sight of farmers hauling baskets of cow dung across dusty lanes has become a familiar, almost hopeful, image – a reminder that sometimes the oldest solutions are the most effective.