April 16, 2013

Iran to produce 10.5 million litres of milk from March 2013

About 10.5 million litres of milk are expected to be produced in Iran from March 21 onwards, said Sirous Rousta, head of the Board of Directors of Livestock Breeders Union.

Rousta added that based on the agreement signed with Iran's agricultural ministry, 20,000 tonnes of milk powder will be exported by the year end.

Referring to the status of Iran's milk production as desirable, he said an increase in milk production would pave the way for exports.

The official said no plan has been drawn up for the export of raw milk as meeting domestic requirement for pasteurised milk is the top priority.

Rousta noted that cooperation between the government and dairy factories will prevent an increase in milk price.

Referring to problems faced by livestock breeders in receiving money given by dairy factories, he hoped that cooperation between the private sector and milk production factories will help solve the problems in the current year.

Iranian experts warned over the decline in per capita milk consumption in Iran.

In October of 2012, Hussein Chamani, a consultant at Iran's Milk Industry Association, said that, based on the Health Ministry's statistics, about 90% of Iranians suffer from lack of adequate calcium.

He said that the sharp increase in price of milk and other dairy products is the main reason behind the deficiency.