Free of charge

Pistachios: larger acreage despite water shortage

July 27, 2020 at 3:11 PM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

TEHRAN. Enlarged cultivation areas are causing problems with regard to water shortage in Iran. Due to exports difficulties, traders are sitting on large overstock supplies.

Search for new irrigation methods goes on

Every year, the area of pistachio plantations in Iran is expanded by about 7,000 ha. According to the Iranian Pistachio Association, about 180,000 metric tonnes of pistachios will be harvested this year on an area of 400,000 ha, in addition to about 100,000 metric tonnes of overstock supplies that could not be exported so far. However, the increase in cultivation also increases the problem of water scarcity, for which the farmers have not yet found an adequate solution. However, the development of new irrigation methods seems to be making progress.

More difficult trading conditions

Around 5 million people are currently employed in the pistachio industry in Iran; jobs that are threatened by the coronavirus pandemic. Currency problems make trade even more difficult, which is why Iran has been experiencing a marked decline in export figures since 2018. In addition, more and more farmers are struggling because the yield is relatively low compared to the effort required. Although the producers in the province of Kerman are able to convince with higher crop yields, they have so far kept the knowledge and possibilities that lead to this for themselves.

The export prices for Akbari and Fandoghi pistachios have nominally risen by around 2.2 to 2.8% in recent weeks. The price for Akbari pistachios, 20-22, is currently at EUR 6.54 per kg FOB Iran.

Pistachios, Iran

Type

EUR/kg*

Ahmad Aghaei, 22-24

6.07

Ahmad Aghaei, 24-26

5.84

Akbari, 20-22

6.54

Akbari, 22-24

6.30

Kale Ghuchi, 22-24

5.95

Kale Ghucci, 24-26

5.78

Fandoghi, 30-32

5.49

Fandoghi, 32-34

5.31

FOB Iran, *quantity 1 mt

View more information
price chart, pistachios, inshell, Ahmad Aghaie, 22/24, NO, Iran
more price charts

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Oct 30, 2025
ORDU. Trading on the Turkish hazelnut market was partially restricted this week due to Republic Day. Although prices have risen slightly again, the massive upward trend seems to have come to a halt for the time being. Exports have fallen sharply.
Nuts
Oct 27, 2025
ROME. The unusually early start to the season brought both advantages and disadvantages for Italian chestnut traders. The crop volume is twice as high as last year, and market players report good quality.
Nuts
Oct 24, 2025
ISTANBUL/SACRAMENTO. Due to the massive decline in yields, the Turkish government has approved pistachio imports from selected growing countries in order to relieve the domestic industry. While Turkey can export significantly fewer pistachios than last year, the USA has recorded an increase in exports of almost 28%.
Nuts
Oct 23, 2025
ORDU. The lack of demand is being felt on the Turkish hazelnut market, and prices have fallen significantly compared to last week. Many growers are holding back their goods and waiting for Ferrero to enter the market.