Pistachio exports from Herat have surged to nearly $25 million over the past nine months, marking a remarkable 21 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Mohammad Yousuf Amin, the executive director of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, reported that exports reached $24.68 million, up from 20 million Afghanis during the same period last year.
This growth underscores the expanding agricultural and export sector in Herat. The province’s total exports have also risen, reaching $119.32 million, encompassing a diverse range of products including agricultural goods, dried fruits, minerals, and ornamental stones.
In terms of cultivation, approximately 12,630 hectares of land in Herat are currently dedicated to pistachio farming, with an additional 600 hectares under development. Bashir Ahmad Bahadori, head of the Herat Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, noted the potential for further expansion in the industry.
Sheikh Mawlana Islamjar, the governor of Herat, announced ongoing projects aimed at developing pistachio, almond, and quarter-nut seedlings throughout the province. These initiatives are designed to mitigate climate migration and create job opportunities, mainly in the mountainous districts of Kashk Rabat Sangi and Kashk-e-Kuhneh.
While pistachio forests are unique to Kashk-e-Kuhneh and Rabat Sangi, other regions of Herat are also cultivating pistachios in orchards and irrigated lands, contributing to the area’s agricultural diversity.
