Badghis traders worried about declining pistachio sales

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): Pistachio traders in western Badghis province have raised concerns over declining sales, urging the government to take serious steps to improve market access, warning that their stored produce may otherwise spoil.

Agriculture and horticulture experts attribute the drop in sales to premature harvesting, which lowers pistachio quality and reduces demand.

Meanwhile, the provincial agriculture department says it has devised several plans to boost marketing of the crop.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MoAIL), Badghis currently has over 30,000 hectares of pistachio forests, with the area increasing thanks to ongoing rehabilitation and preservation efforts.

Despite droughts, climate change and premature blossoming affecting crops, the ministry says it is striving to increase production. Badghis pistachios, renowned globally, remain a key source of income for local farmers.

Traders fear stored pistachios will spoil

Abdul Sami Ghafoori, a local trader, told Pajhwok Afghan News that most pistachios collected and processed from the province’s natural forests over the past two years have remained unsold due to falling prices and weak market demand.

“Previously, seven kilograms sold for 6,000 afghanis, but now even at 4,000 afghanis, there are no buyers. The pistachios I purchased are still in my warehouse,” he said, warning that without intervention, the kernels will spoil.

He called on the authorities to create export opportunities to prevent further losses.

Another trader, Mohammad Rahim, echoed these concerns, saying poor sales and limited market access were causing financial losses. “If marketing isn’t improved and exports don’t resume, all our pistachios will rot in storage,” he said, urging the establishment of cold storage facilities and improved export routes.

Experts: Premature harvesting reduces quality, sales

Agriculture export expert Riazuddin Amiri said Badghis is home to some of the largest pistachio forests, known for high-quality nuts. “Many pistachios are harvested before full maturity, lowering quality, weight, and flavor. As a result, both domestic and foreign buyers lose interest,” he explained. Proper harvesting according to agricultural standards would preserve quality and secure better sales.

Another expert, Abdul Samad, highlighted that early harvesting, limited market access, low prices, and restricted export routes threaten the future of this valuable crop. “The government should prevent early harvesting and educate farmers to maintain global value and export potential,” he said.

When do pistachios ripen?

Pistachios typically ripen in Asad (July–August). Harvesting before this period reduces quality and market value. Earlier this year, Badghis governor’s spokesman Rahimuddin Rahimi said a special committee had been formed to prevent premature collection and legal action would be taken against violators.

Agriculture department: Plans underway to boost market

Badghis Agriculture and Livestock Director Maulvi Pir Mohammad Halimi told Pajhwok that, alongside awareness campaigns, his department had shared traders’ concerns with central officials.

“Every year, people rush to pistachio forests before the nuts are ripe, ruining quality. We have conducted many awareness programs, but people often ignore the advice,” Halimi said.

He added that plans are underway to completely stop premature harvesting and facilitate domestic and international marketing and sales of pistachios.

Halimi urged residents to avoid collecting pistachios before they are fully ripe.

kk/sa