23 May 2013
Iran exported 654,000 tons of potato to regional countries in the last Iranian year (ended March 20, 2013), showing a twofold rise compared with the corresponding figure of previous year.
Announcing this, Hassan Khadangi, director general of the Vegetable Office of Agricultural Jihad Ministry's Department for Horticultural Production, said about 350,000 tons of potatoes were exported during the year to March 2012, IRNA reported.
He noted that 5.2 million tons of potatoes were harvested from 166,000 hectares of farmlands.
The official went on to say that there is no shortage of vegetable production in the country, noting that potato, onion, tomato and other vegetables are being harvested adequately.
With respect to the high potential of the country in vegetable production, suitable plans should be devised to meet domestic demand and increase exports.
He put per capita potato consumption in Iran at 45 kilogram (kg), while the figure for advanced countries ranges from 120 kg to 150 kg. Khadangi noted that because of its protein, mineral and starch content, potato is a good substitute for rice.
Iran exported 654,000 tons of potato to regional countries in the last Iranian year (ended March 20, 2013), showing a twofold rise compared with the corresponding figure of previous year.
Announcing this, Hassan Khadangi, director general of the Vegetable Office of Agricultural Jihad Ministry's Department for Horticultural Production, said about 350,000 tons of potatoes were exported during the year to March 2012, IRNA reported.
He noted that 5.2 million tons of potatoes were harvested from 166,000 hectares of farmlands.
The official went on to say that there is no shortage of vegetable production in the country, noting that potato, onion, tomato and other vegetables are being harvested adequately.
With respect to the high potential of the country in vegetable production, suitable plans should be devised to meet domestic demand and increase exports.
He put per capita potato consumption in Iran at 45 kilogram (kg), while the figure for advanced countries ranges from 120 kg to 150 kg. Khadangi noted that because of its protein, mineral and starch content, potato is a good substitute for rice.
© Iran Daily 2013
