Around 1.3 million tons of rice were imported into Iran during the first eight months of the current Iranian year (March 21-Nov. 21), according to the head of Rice Importers Association.
“We still need to import 300,000 tons more to ensure an adequate supply of the staple grain to the market in the runup to the New Year holidays [in March],” Karim Akhavan-Akbari was also quoted as saying by IRIB News.
A total of 1.75 million tons of rice were imported into Iran during the last Iranian year (March 2021-22), which set a 10-year record, according to the secretary of Iran Rice Association.
“Last year’s imports were more than twice the volume the country needed to make for the domestic production deficiency,” Jamil Alizadeh Shayeq was also quoted as saying `by Mehr News Agency.
Ahmad Eshraqi, the deputy head of Iran Rice Union, said a total of 2.25 million tons of rice were produced in Iran during the fiscal 2021-22.
More than $1 billion worth of rice were imported to Iran during the first five months of the current Iranian year (March 21-Aug. 22), data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration show.
India was the biggest exporter with $583 million worth of exports followed by Pakistan with $350 million, Thailand with $79 million and the UAE with $60 million.
According to IRICA, $21.63 million worth of rice were imported through Iran’s free trade zones during the period.
Rice consumption in Iran currently stands at around 3 million tons per year, about 70% of which are supplied through domestic production, according to Alireza Mohajer, a deputy agriculture minister.