Pistachio Crop Increases by 98% in Afghanistan

The pistachio crop of Samangan province has increased by 98%, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock.

Currently the pistachios are sold internationally at competitive prices after exporting to India for processising by Indian companies, but Samangan residents say their pistachios are sold at a very low prices locally, meaning that there is potential for even better savings for consumers.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock has confirmed the residents' claims and said it is making efforts to attract foreign investment in establishing pistachio processing factories locally.

The Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock has stated that more than 900 million square meters of land are covered with pistachio trees, cumulatively producing an annual crop of hundreds of tons of nuts.