Tropical Fruit Imports Reach $500 Million Annually

The import of tropical fruits to Iran cost as much as $500 million annually, Mohammad-Mehdi Boroumandi, an official with Agriculture Ministry, said. 
Referring to the favorable climatic conditions of the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan and its growth potential for tropical fruits, the official said, “We’re seeking to reach self-sufficiency in the production of tropical fruits through the support of farmers and expansion of orchards.”
Banana accounts for the highest volume of tropical fruits imported into Iran, IRNA reported.
A total of 92,947 tons of bananas were produced on 4,838 hectares during the last Iranian year (March 2019-20), which were enough to meet 20% of domestic demand for this tropical fruit, according to Boroumandi.