Tehran – Iran's pistachio and kiwi exports not only continued but increased during the recent "Ramadan War" period compared to pre-war levels, a senior agriculture ministry official said.

 

Mohammad-Mehdi Boroumandi, the deputy agriculture minister for horticulture affairs, said the sector produces 26 million tons of annual output, including fruits, greenhouse crops, and medicinal plants.

 

He identified food security, food safety, and production sustainability as key ministry goals. “During the war, the priority was maintaining domestic food availability—and thanks to producers and careful planning, no horticultural shortages occurred.”

 

Boroumandi noted that Iran produces surplus yields for most horticultural crops, aside from a few tropical fruits.

 

The horticulture sector generates roughly 50% of the ministry's foreign currency earnings and accounts for a major share of the country's agricultural exports, he added.

 

The deputy minsiter added that expanded trade ties over the past two years have boosted agricultural export revenues, significantly improving the ministry's trade balance compared to previous years.

 

Regarding colored bell peppers, Boroumandi said exports have been allowed due to limited domestic demand. As for pistachios and kiwis, he confirmed that exports not only continued but rose compared to the pre-war period.