Livestock genetic exports hit 60K doses; talks with Russia ongoing
Iran exported 60,000 doses of livestock genetic material to three countries last year and is currently in talks with Russia in this regard, the head of a livestock feed company said on Tuesday.
Speaking to IRNA about the status of genetic material exports and breeding programs, Mohammad Ali Mehri said Iran’s growing production capabilities have allowed it to enter the ranks of global exporters in the highly competitive field.
“Sixty thousand doses of genetic material were exported last year to Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Lebanon. Negotiations are now under way with Russia,” Mehri said.
“Iran, given the strength it has achieved in producing genetic material, has been able to enter the club of exporters, because competition in this field is tough and difficult,” he added.
The United States, Canada and Europe account for about 92% of the global production and export of livestock genetic material, while Asian countries such as China and Russia hold relatively small shares, Mehri underlined.
He noted that previously, such material was leaving Iran informally or through smuggling. Since Iran entered the export market, powerful suppliers have tried to undercut it with dumping and unfair discounts, he said.
“At present, the only company that has formally and legally exported genetic material is Jahed feed company, which is considered the first and only official exporter in Iran,” Mehri said.
Livestock genetic products are considered high value-added goods. The market has long been controlled by a few European, US and Canadian companies, but Iran entered the exporters’ group in recent years, sending its first shipment to Afghanistan in 2022.