Semnan - The pistachio harvest is now underway in Damghan, Semnan Province, with production forecast to hit 12,000 tons of dried pistachios - equivalent to 36,000 tons of fresh pistachios - this year.

 

Ismaeil Shokatabadi, the acting head of the Damghan Agricultural Organization, said expanding orchards with native pistachio varieties is a central priority.

 

“Damghan’s pistachio-growing area spans 16,900 hectares, of which 15,000 are bearing orchards, located across regions such as Farat, Houmeh, Damankouh, and Amirabad,” he noted.

 

Shokatabadi explained that cultivation in Damghan is dominated by long-established local varieties, including Shahpasand, Khanjari, Abbasali, and Farkhi, which are favored by growers for their strong adaptation to local conditions and economic viability.

 

He added that commercial varieties such as Akbari, Ahmadaghaei, and Kallehghouchi are also planted, though on a smaller scale.

 

“Farmers are increasingly turning to orchard improvement and expansion using native varieties, as these offer better yields, lower costs, and greater resilience,” Shokatabadi emphasized.