Iran is the ninth largest fruit producer in the world

TEHRAN, Oct. 14 (MNA) - Iran ranks first in the Middle East and 9th in the world in fruit production, with an annual harvest of about 20 million tons, according to the Agriculture Jihad Ministry. The products are exported to 100 countries, bringing in over $2.87 billion in income. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are the major buyers of Iranian fruit. Citrus fruits, apples, grapes, and peaches are the main fruits exported by Iran. On June 6, IRNA quoted Iranian Agriculture Jihad Minister Sadeq Khalilian as saying that imports of fruits decreased to 769,000 tons in the previous Iranian calendar year, which ended on March 19, compared to 1.08 million tons the year before. The Iranian cabinet has approved the allocation of 150 trillion rials (about $12.2 billion) to support agriculture projects this year, Khalilian said on May 1. Moreover, 40 trillion rials (about $3.3 billion) has been earmarked for boosting agricultural infrastructure, he added.