Per Capita Fish Consumption in Iran

Head of Iran’s Fisheries Organization: Per Capita Fish Consumption in Iran Below Global Average

The head of Iran’s Fisheries Organization stated that per capita fish consumption in the country is 13.8 kilograms, while the global average consumption is 20 kilograms.

According to Mehr News Agency, Seyed Hassan Hosseini said today, Wednesday, at the conference of Iran’s Fisheries Directors General in Lorestan, that last year, 8,300 billion rials were invested in the country’s fisheries sector. He added that ۱۷۶ caviar farms are active in Iran, and 95% of caviar production has occurred after the Islamic Revolution.

He noted that Iran has numerous capacities to expand aquatic exports, which should be considered in operational plans.

Hosseini emphasized that efforts should be made to double the current production of aquatic animals, and in this regard, a fisheries atlas of the country has been prepared based on biological and provincial capacities.

Criticizing the multifaceted nature of decision-making in the fisheries sector over the past years, he said that provincial fisheries steering councils have been established to make decisions regarding production and consumption.

He added that over 33% of the organization’s programs focus on increasing productivity, and in terms of consumption, measures such as making fish more affordable, promoting awareness, improving distribution channels, direct marketing, and establishing specialized markets are planned.

The deputy minister and head of the Fisheries Organization also reiterated that per capita fish consumption in Iran is 13.8 kilograms, highlighting the gap with the world average of 20 kilograms.

Hosseini noted that ۴۵۶ species of aquatic animals are farmed worldwide, while in Iran, the number is still less than 20 species. He stressed that national efforts are needed to close this gap.

He emphasized that managers should promote the importance of fish consumption, adding that awareness-raising is a national effort, and both large-scale and local specialized markets are very important. By promoting aquaculture culture, the middle and low-income segments of society should be encouraged to consume this protein.

Hosseini also highlighted the importance of completing the value chain in this sector, noting that Turkey is second to Iran in aquatic production but leads in exports, demonstrating the need to develop production clusters and the value chain.

He stated that Iran’s fisheries exports exceeded $600 million last year with a 9% growth rate, and with export-oriented products and economic justification, the goal is to reach $۲ billion in foreign exchange earnings from fisheries.

He added that although shrimp farming in Iran broke a record last year with 61,000 tons produced, production must reach 200,000 tons, and achieving this goal requires the use of knowledge-based companies.

Source: www.mehrnews.com