Iran leads in pistachio orchards, ranks second in production

 

Iran boasts the world's largest area dedicated to pistachio cultivation, according to an official with the Ministry of Agriculture.

 

Despite this, the country remains the second-largest producer of pistachios globally, Director General for Dried Fruits Affairs at the Ministry Dariush Salempour added.

He highlighted the significance of pistachios as a key agricultural product for Iran, emphasizing the country's position as the world's number two producer of this "strategic" crop.

Salempour pointed to various initiatives undertaken by the Ministry to bolster pistachio production and exports.

“These include a joint project with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on pistachio technical cooperation. Additionally, pilot programs are underway in Kerman, Khorasan Razavi, and Yazd provinces to enhance pistachio orchard productivity.”

On a positive note, Salempour reported a significant increase in pistachio exports.

“Over 80,000 tons of pistachios, valued at a staggering $552 million, were exported in the past Iranian calendar year (March 21, 2023 - February 22, 2024). This represents a remarkable growth of 56% in volume and 50% in value compared to the same period the previous year.”