East Azarbaijan - Azarshahr County in northwestern Iran has established itself as a leading center for split pea production in the Middle East and the world, according to the head of the county’s Agriculture Department.

 

Hassan Alivand said that Azarshahr produces more than 140,000 tons of split peas annually, accounting for 99 percent of Iran’s total output.

 

“Production takes place in over 180 processing workshops, with part of the output supplied to domestic markets and exported to neighboring countries.”

 

Thanks to its processing industries, Azarshahr plays a vital role in converting chickpeas into split peas and roasted chickpeas, providing a steady supply for both local and international markets, he noted.

 

Alivand added that Azarshahr is now recognized as one of the world’s top centers for split pea and roasted chickpea production, ranking alongside India, Canada, and Turkey in the global pulses industry.