Iran to Become a Major Exporter of Garden Produce to the Middle East

May 20, 2002 - 0:0
TEHRAN -- Deputy Agriculture Jihad Minister Dr. Sahraeian said that in the near future the Islamic Republic of Iran will become a major exporter of garden produce to the Middle East.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Seventh International Agricultural Machinery and Foodstuff Exhibition, he said that despite the severe drought which hit the country in recent years and which

According to Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) statistics, Iran ranks first to tenth in 15 farm products and 25 garden produce. The country also ranks third in the world in terms of variety in

He further said that the Islamic Republic of Iran ranks first in global production of pistachios, dates and saffron.

Pointing to the importance of packaging and methods for preserving agricultural products, he said that if enough attention is paid to this area of activity, the higher value-added that will be realize

He said that wastage in foodstuff in Iran is one of the main challenges which the country's food industry is grappling with, the amount wasted being much higher than the tolerable limit.