Ali Asghar Zarei, the director of horticulture for the Central Jihad Agricultural Organization in Markazi province, Iran, discussed the current state of grape cultivation and production challenges during an interview with ISNA. The province, which covers 16,200 hectares of grape farming, has seen a decrease in yield due to frost, with a total production of 12,000 tons. Approximately 90% of the grapes grown are seedless varieties, and the industry also produces by-products like raisins, grape juice, and jams. Markazi province ranks ninth in the country for grape cultivation and is facing challenges such as the use of inefficient cultivation methods, a lack of processing workshops, a low number of active grape cooperatives, and the need for special production chains. The majority of the processing units are located in Khondab city and Hazaveh village, focusing on raisin production and juice production, respectively.