Wheat Production Up By 10%

Semnan, Oct 11, IRNA – Abbas Keshavarz, Cultivation Deputy at Agriculture Jihad Ministry, says wheat production has increased by 10% in the current crop year. He told reporters that this year wheat production was estimated at 10.2 million tons of which 6.5 to 7 million tons were expected to be purchased, adding that the projection was realized. Keshavarz further remarked that forage and horticulture production was satisfactory but due to the increase in production and reduction in price of some horticulture crops such as watermelon, farmers this year sustained damage. He also referred to the cultivation of grains in the country and said proper production of grains has resulted in reduction of imports. Last year, he added, 180 thousand tons of grains were imported which was reduced to about 70 thousand tons this year due to proper cultivation of grains. Over 6.5 million hectares of land are under cultivation of different products throughout the country./end