Workers harvest apples across 8,000 hectares of orchards in Shino, Eastern Kurdistan, where production dropped 25 percent to 125,000 tons this season. Rising transport costs and storage fees strain profit margins while Iran bars exports and forces growers to sell domestically. Orchard owner Zahir Qaderzadeh says workers need expertise because damaged fruit ruins entire storage boxes destined for cold facilities.
The city operates 41 storage warehouses holding 150,000 tons, but fewer than 100,000 tons will fill them this year. Reduced yields cut seasonal employment for experienced laborers who sort and pack fruit bound for markets or winter storage. Sardar Mohammadi notes that apples ship to Eastern Kurdistan provinces or wait in refrigeration until spring sales begin.
The city operates 41 storage warehouses holding 150,000 tons, but fewer than 100,000 tons will fill them this year. Reduced yields cut seasonal employment for experienced laborers who sort and pack fruit bound for markets or winter storage. Sardar Mohammadi notes that apples ship to Eastern Kurdistan provinces or wait in refrigeration until spring sales begin.
