Speaking to IRNA Tuesday, Farrokh Iranfar added that tea production rose to 190,000 tons in 2007 from 130,000 tons in 2004.

Describing the export of more than 80,000 tons of tea as among the achievements of the ninth government, he noted that six hectares of low-yielding tea gardens have been improved since the present government took office three years ago.

Tea growers were also provided facilities to improve crops, he said.

Iranfar added that during the period, some 41 tea cooperatives were set up in Iran and ten agreements were signed with tea factories to buy green tea leaves at open market rates.

He further noted that his organization is responsible for improving tea production in quality and quantity as well as making process frugal to help achieve self-sufficiency in the field.