Free of charge

Pistachios: drought reduces production

September 6, 2021 at 11:06 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

MASHAD. Recent estimates issued by the Agricultural Organisation in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi Province show that pistachio production will decline by 20% this year. While early harvesting already started on 6 August, the main harvest is only starting now. Climate change certainly is an issue.

Growers confronted with climate change

Drought forced growers to activate wells two months earlier than usual so that water was available in their orchards. Pistachios are cultivated on around 70,000 hectares in Khorasan Razavi at present. This area is projected to grow by 5,000-8,000 hectares annually in the next few years. Another problem are pests. While pistachio growers only had to deal with relatively few pests in the rainy years of 2019 and 2020, this year’s drought has prompted the pistachio psyllid pest to spread, which causes considerable damage.

Traders state that the climate change has had a drastic impact this year as growers are confronted with heavy losses in terms of production due to rising temperatures, changes in rainfall, intensification of drought in desert areas and changes in surface and groundwater resources. These environmental changes have impacted pollination. The lack of low temperatures has caused flower buds to fall and delayed flowering, especially for Akbari and Badami pistachios. Some measures have, however, been taken to limit the damage in the orchards.

Prices are up

Supply squeezes have driven up the prices in the domestic market as large volumes were exported in 2020/2021 and the new crop is yet to arrive. The anticipated decline in this year’s production coupled with climatic stress have further driven up prices. Akbari pistachios are most notably trading EUR 0.40-0.41/kg higher than in mid-August, Fandoghi and Kale Ghuchi pistachios are trading 0.33-0.36/kg higher and Ahmad Aghaei pistachios EUR 0.17-0.21/kg higher.

Pistachios, Iran

Type

EUR/kg*

Ahmad Aghaei, 24-26

9.15

Ahmad Aghaei, 26-28

8.83

Akbari, 20-22

9.75

Akbari 22-24

9.35

Kale Ghuchi, 22-24

8.48

Kale Ghuchi 24-26

8.28

Fandoghi, 30-32

7.76

Fandoghi 32-34

7.56

FOB Iran

*Please note that these reference prices apply to an order volume of 1 mt. Prices may range lower for higher volumes.

 

View more
price charts, pistachios, Iran
more price charts

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Jun 30, 2025
NEW DELHI. Farmers in India are keen to purchase high-quality seeds to sow peanuts. Edible oil is trading lower. Yields have risen sharply in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Nuts
Jun 26, 2025
ORDU. Bids did not live up to the TMO’s expectations in last week’s tender for hazelnuts. Wide price gaps prevail. Good news concerning the 2025 crop has emerged in the orchards. Economic indicators are somewhat promising for Turkey.
Nuts
Jun 23, 2025
NEW DELHI/HANOI. Low prices and sluggish demand have forced processors to close in India. With high US import tariffs prevailing for Vietnam, trading has shifted towards China. Demand for cashews is back on track in Europe.
Nuts
Jun 23, 2025
NEW DELHI. Suppliers in India are gearing up for buyers in China. For exporters the market is very competitive for peanuts.