Zarand MP Hossein Amiri reports that the pistachio orchards in northern Kerman are on the verge of destruction. Amiri told ISNA that the farmers have not been trained in water management in light of the current water shortage, and their persistence in using old methods of farming in the area is destroying all the trees.
The MP’s reference appears to be to the 120 hectares of pistachio orchards near Rafsanjan.
Amiri said declining water levels have changed the water quality, which is affecting the trees. He also reported the presence of new forms of pests, which the farmers do not know how to combat.
He added that Iran used to command 80 percent of the world’s pistachio market but that has declined to 50 percent.
