Core Tip: Close to 5 million tons of potatoes are produced in Iran every year, which meets domestic demand and a portion of which is exported, Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture announced.

Close to 5 million tons of potatoes are produced in Iran every year, which meets domestic demand and a portion of which is exported, Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture announced.

The ministry was reacting to a report published by Indian newspaper, the Hindustan Times, claiming that 5,000 tons and 2,800 tons of potatoes will be exported from the North Indian state of Punjab to Iran and Russia respectively.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Abbas Keshavarz dismissed the news as false, stressing that Iran’s local potato production exceeds domestic demand and there is no reason to import 5,000 tons of the produce.