Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Meeting with Jihadists and Farmers

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

We welcome those involved in the agricultural affairs of the country - both officials and managers as well as farmers - and we congratulate each one of you on this blessed birth. The earthquake in Bam, particularly in our agricultural sector, was a tragic incident; because many of our good and faithful brothers and sisters who were lost or afflicted were those engaged in agriculture and gardening and activities of this kind. We hope that these events and calamities will serve as a catalyst for us; that they will take us out of the negligence we have had in managing our lives and those of the people, and prepare the ground for divine mercy.

The agricultural sector is very important for our country; because food security for a large, populous country with lofty goals is very important; therefore, our agricultural and livestock sector is a special and exceptional sector, and everyone must strive for it. Islam has also emphasized agriculture consciously and with attention. A very meaningful and profound hadith has been narrated about farmers: "The farmers are the treasures of God on His earth"; meaning that farmers are those who extract and draw forth the treasures of God from beneath the earth. The most important treasure of God in the earth and soil consists of the materials that sustain the life of humans and animals. This is more important than gold and oil. Gold and oil are means to obtain the necessities of life; however, food products are the most essential necessities of life. We mention this so that all those involved in the country, especially the officials of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, pay attention - as has been repeated many times since the beginning of the revolution - that agriculture is one of the fundamental pillars of development in our country; it is not a marginal matter. Attention to industry - which is necessary - should not divert attention from agriculture. Agriculture is the foundation and the basis. This work has prerequisites; these prerequisites must be fulfilled and implemented. Officials have made good efforts in this regard.

In the Islamic Republic and by the blessing of the Islamic Revolution, all efforts gain speed and increased efficiency. What the Islamic Revolution gave to our people was a jihadist culture. The jihadist culture is applicable in all arenas and fields, and in the area of foundational work in agriculture and livestock and similar matters, from the very beginning of the revolution, the spirit and culture of jihad entered the field. Some experts have commented on revolutions around the world that after revolutions achieve victory, their fluidity and dynamism and progress diminish and they turn into static and immobile systems. This may be the case in some revolutions - we do not judge them - but in the case of our revolution, a phenomenon was observed that disproved this hypothesis and proved it wrong; because the revolution itself created institutions that inherently possessed revolutionary movement and dynamism and jihadist spirit. One of these institutions was the Construction Jihad, another was the IRGC, and another was the Basij. These are institutions that did not have a static and rigid administrative form. Although there was organization and structure and order in them, the same state of movement, progress, and leap that existed in the revolution itself was also present in them, and we saw its effects outside as well. In the eight-year defense, you saw the Basij and the mobilization of the people. In the field of work and construction and progress, you saw the jihadist spirit, which, of course, did not remain exclusive to the Construction Jihad; this spirit permeated many institutions. Today, you see the same spirit in the aid efforts for Bam. This spirit is not found everywhere in the world. Kindness and cooperation and compassion for the afflicted - which pertains to all humanity - is one thing; but the dynamism and movement and enthusiasm and entering the field, without any formalities, to serve is another thing. What was seen in Iran was this: everyone entered the field and became active. I witnessed events like earthquakes and floods closely in the years before the revolution. I myself went to provide aid and serve. This spirit of public movement, this compassion, this entry into the scene of work and initiative, this massive aid, is specific to a nation whose heart is warmed by jihadist movement and has jihadist fervor within it. This is the same spirit of the Basij during the sacred defense; this is the same spirit of the trench builders without trenches of the Construction Jihad who would perform the ritual of martyrdom and sit on bulldozers to build embankments. We must preserve this spirit. This spirit does not contradict scientific work and organizational order; rather, it actually enhances scientific work.

Let me tell you; we have made significant scientific and research advancements in various sectors, which are primarily constituted by these revolutionary youths and faithful children. They were the ones who entered the field and based on that spirit, advanced many of the challenges and obstacles of research and important scientific work. Yes; spirituality also cultivates the world of humanity; however, it is a healthy world. Where there is no jihadist culture and a materialistic culture prevails, every individual is the center of all events in the world; they seek profit for themselves and ward off harm from themselves. This is the principle for them; hence, conflicts, immorality, dishonesty, and enmity arise. Where there is movement and jihadist spirit, a person dissolves in faith and ideals and service to others and forgets themselves. This spirit must be strengthened in society. Our agriculture and livestock will also find its true prosperity with this spirit.

As you know, water in our country is not commensurate with the land. It is well-known that Iran is a water-scarce country; however, if we proceed with wisdom and planning and an indefatigable spirit, we can utilize the existing water. We must control the water that is wasted. We must use water wisely. We should not waste water. With scientific and prudent work, optimal use can be achieved. Many before the revolution had their eyes on our fertile plains. Those who were strangers to everything in this country had planned for our Qazvin plain and Moghan plain; why can’t we plan to utilize these fertile soils and these lands that are truly worth more than their material price? These tasks can be accomplished and must be done; it is possible with a jihadist spirit.

Some make the mistake of presenting realism in opposition to idealism. For them, realism is the opposite of idealism. This is a great error; because idealism itself creates realities in society. A collection with ideals and lofty goals can shape and create realities according to its ideals. The world has progressed this way. Should we set aside ideals under the pretext of realism?! This is the height of negligence. Idealism is the creator of sweet and desirable realities. When a person, a collection, and a nation stand firm by their ideals with their officials and those involved and refuse to compromise and work for them, what happens? Realities change towards ideals. This itself is the greatest reality and law of life; why do some forget this? The term "jihad" at the beginning of the name of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad has meaning; meaning that work must be done with a jihadist spirit. This ministry today can and must enter the field of work with this spirit. The works that have been mentioned are good; but much work remains to be done; there are still many deficiencies. Some of the points that this respected farmer mentioned here - fourteen or fifteen requested points - are very necessary and must be pursued, and the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, the government, officials, the parliament, and others must realize these.

One of the most fundamental tasks is that in the area of agriculture and agricultural products, policies should be stable, lasting, and pursued, and attention should be paid to the issues of agricultural producers. It should not be the case that one year we import onions due to a shortage of onions; but the following year, when our farmers produce onions, this product rots in warehouses. Our country is capable. You saw that last year, thanks be to God, there was good rainfall and the country became almost self-sufficient in wheat production. This was what I emphasized, and thanks be to God, the officials pursued wheat self-sufficiency. Of course, wheat is one of our necessary materials; in other necessary materials such as dairy products, oil, and meat, the country must also become completely self-sufficient and rich and be able to export these products. We must pursue this issue, and we believe it is entirely possible. We have vast and good plains. In the same region of Bam, there is a very good vast plain. In Khuzestan, there are astonishing vast plains that must be utilized and activated. In terms of readiness for agriculture, our country is capable; therefore, we must strive.

I tell you dear farmers to pursue this work as a constructive, impactful, and sacred task. God willing, the policies of the officials will also assist you, and as has been pointed out, agricultural production should be economic, profitable, and encouraging for investment, and under the shadow of this great movement, people should feel at ease and feel secure in terms of food, and the country should be able to carry out its work.

The respected officials in the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad should consider their service as sacred. Their work is very important and one of the most humane tasks. Of course, the Almighty God will also bestow grace and kindness. Wherever you strive and exert effort, be assured that divine assistance is above you. Yes; if we become lazy, sit aside, make bad calculations, and are deceived, divine assistance will be taken from us. We should no longer complain to God about why He did not help us; we should complain about ourselves and blame ourselves. Those whose efforts are effective, if they enter the field of work and effort and invest their will, thought, soul, and body, divine assistance will certainly be above them and at their disposal.

We hope that the Almighty God will bestow His grace upon our nation and country, and may the prayer of His Holiness the Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for him) include all of you.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.