2,500 hectares of pistachio orchards established in Herat

Western Herat province has seen the establishment of approximately 2,500 hectares of pistachio orchards, a development agricultural experts are calling positive. The expansion of these orchards is continuing across various parts of the province.

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pistachios are among the crops best suited to Herat’s climatic conditions and have gained particular popularity among farmers in light of recent droughts because they require relatively little water.

Bashir Ahmad Ahmadi, head of agricultural affairs at the Herat Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, highlighted that pistachios are among the crops best suited to Herat’s climatic conditions. He noted their increasing popularity among farmers, particularly in light of recent droughts, due to their relatively low water requirements. Ahmadi believes the expansion of these orchards will not only improve water resource management but also significantly increase farmers' incomes and foster commercial horticulture in the region.

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the expansion of pistachio orchards not only helps improve the efficient use of water resources but can also play an important role in increasing farmers’ incomes and promoting commercial horticulture in Herat.

Farid Ahmad Taimuri, head of a local pistachio production company, confirmed that Herat's climate is ideal for various pistachio varieties. He explained that saplings typically enter their fruit-bearing stage after being grafted in their second or third year. The growing interest from farmers has, in turn, increased the demand for pistachio saplings in recent years.

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the province’s climate and weather conditions are suitable for growing different varieties of pistachios.

Farmers themselves are expressing satisfaction. Haji Halim, a pistachio orchard owner from Injil district, observed that standard pistachio orchards are becoming more common and that the trees show promising growth due to the favorable climate. He mentioned that some orchards in districts like Pashtun Zarghun, Kohsan, and Oba have recently begun yielding harvests. Currently, orchard-grown pistachios sell for about 750 afghanis per kilogram, while wild mountain pistachios fetch around 1,000 afghanis per kilogram. Experts emphasize that in a region increasingly challenged by climate change and drought, the expansion of pistachio cultivation offers a vital alternative for Afghanistan's agricultural sector.

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people in the province are increasingly establishing standard pistachio orchards and that the growth of pistachio trees appears promising due to Herat’s favourable climatic conditions.