A total of 5,000 tons of sesame seeds worth close to 216.5 billion rials (nearly $5.8 million) were imported during the first month of the current Iranian year (started March 21), according to data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration.
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, Nigeria and India were the main countries from where the imports were made, Mizan Online reported. In Iran, about 95% of domestic demand (1.5 million tons) for vegetable oils is met through imports while the government is planning to meet 70% of domestic demand from local production. A wide range of oilseeds are cultivated in Iran, including sesame and cotton seeds as well as colza, soybeans and safflower. Their production is expected to reach 250,000 tons, 200,000 tons, 135,000 tons and 15,000 tons respectively this year.
