IRNA - Iran has exported over 24,000 tons of shrimp since the beginning of the current Iranian year (started March 20, 2018), Head of the Fisheries Organization Hassan Salehi said here on Sunday.

In an exclusive interview with Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Salehi said another 30,000 tons of shrimp is estimated to be exported by the end of year (March 20, 2019).

He commented that over 38,000 tons of shrimp was farmed in the country last year of which 26,000 tons were exported while up to 12,000 tons were sold in local markets.

According to the official, Iran�s annual revenue from shrimp exports amounts to $150 million.

Shrimp farming in Iran is mainly undertaken in the provinces of Khuzestan, Hormozgan, Sistan-Baluchestan and Bushehr in southern parts of the country as well as Golestan in north.

Recently, Director General of the Quality Improvement, Processing and Sea Food Market Development at Iran Fisheries Organization Issa Golshahi noted that Iran's high quality shrimp has regained its status in European markets following expansion of international exchanges and financial give and takes.

Golshahi underscored that over past few years, Iran has exported shrimp to Russia, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, two Southeast Asian countries of China and Vietnam with Germany, Spain, the UK and France emerging as the new export destinations this year.