Tehran - Iran now exports agricultural products to 80 countries, with horticultural export revenues rising from $2.9 billion to $4.3 billion, according to Deputy Agriculture Minister Mohammad Mehdi Boroumandi.

 

Boroumandi described the agriculture sector as vital to national food security, stressing the need to balance feeding over 90 million Iranians with protecting soil and water resources.

 

He said Iran’s size and population make reliance on imports unsustainable, highlighting the importance of domestic expertise and local capacity.

 

Despite drought, power shortages, and budget constraints, the sector achieved a $3 billion trade surplus last year. Boroumandi credited farmers’ resilience for the surge in horticultural exports and announced plans to introduce mandatory product traceability for all markets.

 

He cited pistachios as a key export, generating $1.7 billion annually. With 650,000 hectares of orchards, Iran remains one of the world’s top producers. Following talks with the EU, restrictions on Iranian pistachio exports have been lifted after Europe recognized their high quality and safety, accordign to Tehran Times. 

 

Boroumandi added that the government is working to reduce export tariffs and reclassify pistachio as a non–water-intensive crop to promote sustainable growth.