Pistachio cultivation in the Kurdistan Region has grown significantly in recent years. Farmers in Shaqlawa and Hiran districts have developed this crop from the ground up. The project has now reached a stage where it can supply both domestic and international markets.
The pistachio cultivation initiative began in 2014 with the planting of 12,000 trees on 70 dunams of land. After nearly eight years, the trees have started to bear fruit. The project has since expanded, increasing the planted area to 132 acres and the number of trees to more than 10,000.
Project manager Farhad Barzanji explained that three varieties of pistachios were planted. He said it typically takes eight years for the trees to produce nuts. “This year we will start selling, though in small quantities. We expect production to grow significantly next year,” he added.
Barzanji noted that when the project began, pistachios were almost nonexistent in the region. “We worked hard to identify suitable varieties. This knowledge will make future planting and production much easier,” he said.
Hiran district director Nabaz Ali emphasized the support of the Kurdistan Regional Government for farmers. He highlighted that developing domestic production is a key government strategy. Ali expressed hope that pistachios from the Kurdistan Region will become a recognized brand in global markets.
The project aims not only to supply local demand but also to strengthen the regional economy. It provides new jobs for farmers and promotes the Kurdistan Region as a producer of high-quality pistachios. By expanding cultivation, local farmers gain opportunities to compete internationally.
With continued investment and support, pistachio cultivation in the Kurdistan Region has strong potential. It promises economic growth, new employment opportunities, and a sustainable path for the agricultural sector. Farmers and officials remain optimistic about its future and the potential to make “Kurdistan pistachio” a trusted name in global trade.
