5% Rise in Watermelon Exports

A total of 117,000 tons of watermelons were exported from Iran during the first two months of the current Iranian year (March 20-May 20) to register a 5.12% increase compared with the similar period of last year.
According to data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, 25% of the exports—around 29,427 tons worth $7.07 million—headed to neighboring Turkey, Fars News Agency reported.
Agricultural experts have frequently warned against the export of watermelon amid the acute water shortage in the country, as it is a water-intensive crop.