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Iranian Pistachio An Achievement
of quality
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Pistachio is one of the principal traditional
export products of Iran and, since ancient times, has
always occupied a special position in the foreign trade
of the country. Thumbing back through the pages of history,
we can observe that pistachio trees have existed since
thousands of years ago, but were so rare that only the
royal and rich families could possess some. Today the
finest pistachio is native to Iran. In Kerman province,
especially the region surrounding Rafsanjan city, more
than 160 hectares of land are under pistachio cultivation,
and about 95% of the pistachio of the country is produced
here. The ideal climatic conditions of this area, with
abundance of sunshine and perfect soil for the growth
of pistachio trees, gives the pistachio the most natural
taste and flavor that no other type of pistachio can
equal.
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A natural snack for health-conscious
individuals, Iranian pistachio constitutes an ideal
ingredient in the preparation of a variety of dishes
and sweets and is served during party receptions and
family gatherings. Pistachio has the highest protein
content and nutritional value, and is second to none
in the world for its high energy content. It contains
a high percentage of potassium, phosphorus, calcium,
and all the essential amino acids. It is believed that
the consumption of pistachio reduces the risk of heart
attack and death from coronary diseases. To enjoy its
unique taste, the pistachio nuts should be salted, roasted
and eaten out of the shell. In the years following the
Islamic revolution of Iran, from the view point of job
creation and export earnings, pistachio has always been
the prime non-oil export product of Iran. Consequently,
changes that occur in the international market of this
product have a profound effect on the economy of the
country.
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During the last decade,
the global production of pistachio has increased by
90% and some of the main reasons for this, in Iran and
the USA, are the employment of new cultivation lands,
effective pest and disease control and the prevention
of wastage of the product. Iran not only produces the
finest variety of pistachio, but can also boast to be
the highest producer of this product with an annual
average output of 130,000 tons during the past several
years. In the previous year, the pistachio production
in Iran amounted to 113,000 tons and it has been forecasted
that the production would increase by 50 percent in
the coming five years. While during this same period,
the global production of pistachio is expected to reach
400,000 tons. Presently the USA, Turkey, and Syria are
the main competitors of Iranian pistachio in the world
markets.
Future Policies of Iran
Regarding Pistachio -Continuation of
the program for promotion and expansion of market;
- Efforts to reduce pollution and wastage by adoption
of ACCP method;
- Continuation of discussions with European countries;
Maintenance and strengthening of sales markets in the
European community.
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