The comparison and classification of the provinces according to horticulture sub-sector indices

Nowdays agriculture sector supply 23% of Employments, 14% of G. N. P, 31% of non petroleum exportations and also 94% of needs of nation food. So, the agricultural section is one of the most important economic section of Iran. Horticulture is also one of the most important sub-sector of Agriculture section, of the quantity, variation and nutritional value of its products. Therefore it is necessary to recognize the variables and effective factors of this subsection and doing scientific researches in this field is very important. In this study, comparing the country's provinces in terms of comparative data and indicators horticulture, the potential and its capacity to discriminate between the provinces and the provinces rank in this field has been specified. Horticulture sub-sector share of total agricultural production (per ton) is about 51 percent. The data used in this study from the source of the general agricultural census in 2003 were determined using scalogram statistical models and provinces in subsection gardening variables were compared and ranked. Results indicated that, Kermanshah, Ilam, Lorestan, Kohgiloye-va-boyerahmad, Northern Khorasan, Ardebil, Charmahal-o-bakhtiary and Kordestan provinces in spite of having suitable water sources and climate, unfortunately, the ranks are not appropriate and is essential in planning for agricultural development (especially horticulture), special attention should be given. Other provinces like, Bushehr, Qom, Hormozgan and sistan-o-balochestan also have not favorable position. At the end of the study of development strategies with respect to their existing potentials are presented.