The Ministry of Agriculture in Iran has reported a 10,000-ton increase in pomegranate production for the current Iranian calendar year. Zahra Jalili-Moghaddam, overseeing tropical and semi-tropical fruits, highlighted that the country's pomegranate orchards span 96,000 hectares, yielding approximately 1,340,000 tons. This production surge aligns with Iran's broader horticultural achievements, notably contributing to half of the nation's annual agricultural exports, tallying up to $3.0 billion.
Mohammad-Mehdi Boroumandi, Deputy Agriculture Minister for Horticulture Affairs, disclosed that Iran's horticultural exports reach over 100 countries, totaling nearly three million tons. The country's horticultural landscape encompasses three million hectares, producing around 26 million tons of various products annually. Despite achieving self-sufficiency in most fruits, Iran still imports bananas, pineapple, coconut, and mango due to insufficient domestic production.
Iran prides itself on minimal chemical inputs in agriculture, with pesticide usage notably lower than the global average. The country's strategic focus on sustainable practices is evident in its significant citrus and kiwi production, particularly in Mazandaran and Gilan provinces, positioning Iran as a leading kiwi producer globally.
Source: Tehran Times