The head of the Iran rice importers association

Consumers of Iranian and foreign rice are different
The head of the Rice Importers Association in Iran stated, 
"Rice is one of the strategic agricultural products and is the 
second essential commodity in the country after wheat. 
Every year, during the rice harvest season, restrictions are imposed on 
the import of this essential commodity."
Karim Akhavan, the head of the Rice Importers Association in Iran, 
said, "There needs to be a necessary balance in the rice market.
 Typically, we have a production of 2 to 2.1 million tons in the country,
 while the consumption of rice is usually 3.5 million tons. 
It is the responsibility of the Rice Importers Association 
to provide for this shortfall. The shortfall of 1 to 1.5 million tons 
of rice is met through imports. These imports should be done in a way
 that addresses the market shortfall."
He added, "According to customs statistics, 
rice imports in the spring season have decreased by about 40% compared to the previous year.
 Iranian and foreign rice consumers have become different.
 In years when Iranian rice reached record prices, naturally, a portion of the population turned to using foreign rice. 
This has led to people developing a taste for these products.
 For example, if you examine the eastern region of the country, Pakistani rice was consumed historically, while Indian rice covered the southern region. 
We must have a balanced and stable price, which not only manages production but also does not harm the consumer."