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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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