May 10, 2004

Iranian Soybean Production To Surpass 200,000 Tons This Year

According to the Mehr News Agency, soybean production in the Iranian year 1382 increased by 50,000 tons and surpassed 193,300 tons.

In Iranian year 1381, some 141,000 tons of soybeans were cultivated from 74,500 hectares of farmland.

Statistics released note the area under soybean cultivation was about 90,000 hectares during the past Iranian year.

The report adds that 90 percent of the country's oilseed needs are being met through the import of this commodity. This has caused the loss of more than 1 billion dollars in foreign exchange per year.

Obstacles confronting the importation of these products comprise the spoilage of imported oilseeds due to improper storage facilities, as well as the lack of an adequate transportation network including proper vehicles.