January 24, 2005

Iran to produce 10,000 tons of shrimp

Iran will produce some 10,000 tons of shrimps in the year to March 2006 provided that the government removes obstacles to developing the sector.

According to the head of Iran Seafood Exports Promotion Fund, Arsalan Qassemi, shrimp production is expected to reach some 7,000 tons by March, stressing that 95 percent of the total shrimp output is exported.

He further noted that global developments that followed the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States led to a decline in shrimp prices worldwide, adding that the once lucrative industry has not yet picked up in Iran.

The official called on the government to consider shrimp as a strategic product as the protein-rich seafood is now produced in areas where the government once used to spend huge amounts on security.

"Shrimp farmers have overcome the smuggling business by creating jobs in border areas," he said, adding that shrimp cultivation is a cost-effective economic activity in border areas where insecurity is usually rife.

Qassemi called for a greater publicity to making the public aware of the nutritional advantages of consuming seafood among Iranian families, saying the sector would need huge funds to undertake this initiative.