Golestan - Iran’s northern Golestan province is forecast to produce 13,000 tons of persimmons this year, an 18% increase from last year, consolidating its position as the country’s top producer, according to a provincial agriculture official.

 

Navidreza Farahani, director of horticulture at the Golestan Agricultural Organization, said the projected harvest would come from 715 hectares of productive persimmon orchards across the province.

 

Harvesting began in mid-October and is expected to continue through mid-November, he added.

 

Farahani attributed the anticipated production growth to improved orchard nutrition, more effective control of the Mediterranean fruit fly, better orchard-floor management and regular irrigation.

 

The main persimmon varieties grown in Golestan include tomato-shaped, apple-shaped and Great Wall varieties, he said.