Iran has a long-term plan to achieve self-sufficiency in meat production, by promoting genetic engineering and increasing efficiency in the livestock sector, according to deputy agriculture minister, Hassan Rokni. About 60,000 tons of red meat were imported in the last Iranian year (ended March 20, 2015), indicating a decline of 30,000 tons compared to the previous year. Rokni said the decline in imports is expected to continue as production rises. Iran’s per capita meat consumption is 11 kilograms per year, ISNA reported.
