TEHRAN – Iran’s farmed shrimp production increased 37 percent year-on-year to more than 62,000 tons in the current Iranian calendar year (ends in March 20), supported by improved disease control and strengthened health management measures, a veterinary official said.

Reza Asadi, director general for aquatic animal health and disease management at the Iran Veterinary Organization, said the growth was achieved despite challenges faced by the aquaculture sector in the previous year.

He described aquaculture as a strategic sector of the economy, noting that shrimp is among Iran’s key export-oriented products.

Production expanded across all shrimp-farming provinces during the year, he said.

More than 30,000 tons of the total output came from Bushehr province, which led the increase in production. Harvesting operations in Khuzestan, Golestan and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces were carried out without any reported disease outbreaks, he added.

Asadi said the results followed the implementation of targeted health protocols, specialized guidelines and closer coordination with industry experts, helping to contain disease risks and stabilize output in a sector closely tied to export revenues.

EF/MA