Mehrdad Jamal-Orounaqi said Iran exported two million tons of agricultural products valued at $1.582 during the corresponding period of the preceding year, IRNA reported.

He listed the main items of agricultural exports as pistachio, tomato, watermelon, apple, tomato paste, chocolate, biscuit, potatoes, and cheese, adding that the products were exported to Iraq, China, Afghanistan, Russia, and the UAE.

Despite the US sanctions, the prevalence of the coronavirus, and the consequent restrictions on the country’s borders, Jamal-Orounaqi added, consultations were made by IRICA and authorities so that agricultural and perishable items would be allowed to be exported in accordance with health regulations.

He also said that the outbreak of the coronavirus and economic sanctions had no negative effect on the export of these goods and products.

The exports of basic goods, foods, and fruits, the official said, as previously announced by the relevant authorities are still prohibited and in case of violation, IRICA will deal with violators legally.

Zahra Jalili-Moqaddam, the director-general of the ministry’s tropical and subtropical fruits office, added that Iran’s annual production of common fig stands at 104,000 tons, which is harvested from an area measuring 59,000 hectares, IRNA reported.

Stressing that to retain export markets, satisfying customers’ tastes and demands are of great importance, she said, adding, if Iranian exporters manage to gain a greater international reputation and have sufficient knowledge and information about their products and target markets, they would be able to increase their overseas sales by, for instance, improving the quality of their crop and its packaging.

Jalili-Moqaddam noted that of the total 59,000 hectares of land under fig cultivation in Iran, dryland farming is the dominant method used by farmers and gardeners in almost 40,000 hectares.

She said the southern province of Fars is Iran’s most important producer of dried figs and the country’s main exporter of the common fig.

Iran called for plans to improve the quality of exports according to international standards in order to expand the country’s overseas exported fig.

Fruits contain fiber, which helps prevent high cholesterol, heart attacks, strokes, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity; Vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens tissues; and potassium, which stabilizes blood pressure and prevents muscle cramps. Unlike many other popular snack foods, fruits are low in calories and have no cholesterol, fat or salt, aboutzenlife.com reported.

Many nutritionists rank the following as the top 10 types of fruit for good health.

1. Apples

The heart, lungs and digestive system benefit from a diet that includes an apple a day. In addition to Vitamin C, this juicy fruit offers phenolic antioxidants that attack the ‘free radicals’ that weaken cells.

2. Apricots

Research has shown that this fruit aids in fighting cancer because it is packed with lycopene. In addition, beta-carotene-rich apricots promote cardiovascular health, deter infections and help prevent blindness.

3. Avocados

Few fruits are as delicious or versatile as avocados. They complement many types of dishes, such as salads and sandwiches. Avocados assist in keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check, strengthen bones and boost immunity. They are high in potassium, folic acid, and fiber that bolster resistance to heart disease and diabetes. Though avocados contain more calories than most other fruits, their mono-unsaturated fats are the healthy type of fat.

4. Bananas

Few foods deliver more potassium than bananas, which is good news for those who deal with leg cramps. The mineral decreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well. The fibrous banana, typically consumed as a snack or an ingredient in baked goods, eases stomach aches and heartburn. Unlike most other fruits, it discourages diarrhea.

5. Berries

The multiple varieties of berries provide a wealth of delectable alternatives to sugary, salty treats. Ellagic acid, an antioxidant phytochemical, is a proven cancer fighter. Berries also have Vitamin C, antioxidant phenolic acid, flavonoids and other compounds that help stop infections, cataracts, constipation, and brain disease. Among the most nutritious berries are acai, goji, blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries.

6. Cantaloupes

Cancer, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and heart disease are some of the problems that are less likely to occur in people who eat cantaloupes. The fruit’s Vitamin C keeps arteries open, which restricts the buildup of LDL cholesterol. Carotenoids like beta-carotene are converted in the body to Vitamin A, which helps prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.

7. Grapefruit

Though many people do not appreciate the taste of this fruit, it is known to provide protection against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Grapefruit also speed the healing of wounds and recovery from the flu. Vitamin C and lycopene destroy free radicals, while a type of fiber called pectin lessens the danger of various diseases and illnesses.

8. Lemons and limes

With some of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C available on grocery store shelves, these citrus products fend off heart disease and cancer while reducing histamine that worsens cold symptoms. A single large lemon comes with 75 percent of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C, which helps the body produce the wound-healing collagen.

9. Oranges

This is another fruit loaded with Vitamin C, as well as fiber and energy-boosting natural sugars. Oranges contain powerful antioxidants, which increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol.

10. Pears

Twenty-five percent of the daily value of fiber can be obtained from a single pear. Almost half of the fiber is in the fruit’s pectin, which strengthens the heart by keeping cholesterol levels under control. Pears also offer high concentrations of Vitamin C and potassium, as well as a trace mineral called boron that promotes brain health and wards off osteoporosis.