MP urges increased ...
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He added that that around 130,000 tons of pistachios are exported annually, generating around $1 billion in revenue
“With proper planning, the figure could double,” the MP said while describing pistachio exports as a vital component of Iran’s non-oil economy.
Addressing concerns over European Union regulations on aflatoxin levels in pistachios, Hassanpour-Biglari stressed the need for strict compliance by farmers and officials to avoid export restrictions.
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring fungal toxins that commonly contaminate crops like corn, peanuts and pistachios, posing health risks. The EU has implemented stringent measures to prevent the import of pistachios containing such toxins.
The lawmaker criticized the lack of attention to the pistachio industry’s challenges, noting that the Pistachio Headquarters of Iran has not held a meeting in the past 10 months.
The last meeting, chaired by the agriculture minister, took place in the last Iranian year after a two-year hiatus, focusing on solutions to production and export obstacles.
“While many countries incentivize exports with rewards, the Central Bank of Iran’s (CBI) policies toward pistachio producers are inadequate,” Hassanpour-Biglari pointed out.
He argued that producers lack sufficient control over the foreign currency earned from exports, as the CBI calculates export earnings at the lower official exchange rate, while producers must purchase inputs like pesticides, fertilizers and other necessities at the higher rates on the free market.
The legislator noted that many orchard owners in Kerman and other regions rely on pistachio production for their livelihoods and called for increased financial support, including loans, to improve orchard productivity and boost output.
Hassanpour-Biglari added that the Parliament is working with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance and the CBI to reduce what he described as “self-imposed sanctions” on the industry.
He urged the government to take necessary measures to preserve Iran’s existing export markets while also targeting new ones.
Kerman Province, he said, leads the country in pistachio production and cultivation area, with its pistachios renowned worldwide for their quality and taste. However, the industry has faced challenges in recent years, including severe drought and water shortages, which have hindered orchard irrigation.
The MP emphasized the importance of supporting pistachio farmers and addressing water scarcity and other obstacles to production.
He called for research into climate change adaptation and water conservation, as well as the development of mechanized irrigation systems in pistachio orchards.