Financial Tribune reports that exports took a hit after an outbreak of avian flu, which led to many markets banning trade with Iran.

“Close to 50,000 tons of chicken were exported from Iran in the last fiscal year (March 2016-17), registering a 37.5 per cent decline compared to the previous year,” Mohammad Yousefi also told Mehr News Agency.

H5N8, a dangerous strain of the bird or avian flu virus, was first detected in seven Iranian provinces in November 2016.

Later in March 2017, it was reported that the avian influenza had spread across 24 Iranian provinces, leading to the culling of some 12 million chicken.

Iran Veterinary Organization informed the World Organization for Animal Health on 6 May that the country had rid itself of this virus.

Mr Yousefi says chicken exports to Afghanistan have already resumed, albeit in low volumes, most of which are carried out from eastern provinces, especially South Khorasan.

Noting that domestic demand for chicken increases during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan (starting 27 May), Mr Yousefi said exports will be expanded as of the middle or end of the holy Muslim month.