Mohammad Mehdi Borumandi, head of the Iranian Agriculture Ministry's horticulture operations, reported a 143% increase in Iran's pistachio exports in the calendar year ending late March. Total production reached over 0.3 million metric tons by March 20, with export revenues of $1.7 billion.
Pistachios hold the top position in Iran's horticulture sector, with 0.65 million hectares under cultivation, the largest globally. Despite maintaining its status as the world's leading pistachio producer for years, Iranian output has decreased due to prolonged drought and economic sanctions.
The United States has emerged as a significant competitor, having doubled its pistachio cultivation areas over the past decade. Borumandi noted an 83% growth in Iran's pistachio cultivation over 11 years, with the Kerman province leading production.
The pistachio industry provides 0.35 million direct jobs in Iran and contributes approximately $1.5 billion in foreign currency revenues annually.
Source: Fars News