Iran Almonds: Frost and drought reduced the production of rain-fed almonds in Khorasan Razavi.

Frost and drought caused an 80 per cent decrease in rain-fed almond harvest from orchards in Khorasan Razavi province this year. The total almond production in Khorasan Razavi province is predicted to be more than 5,000 tons this year.

This year, due to the consequences of frostbite in the late last year and continuing drought and water supply restrictions, the production of almonds using an irrigation system has decreased by 45 per cent compared to normal conditions. Also, the production of rain-fed almonds has declined by 80 per cent in Khorasan Razavi province. According to the Agricultural Organizations of Khorasan Razavi Province, the area of ​​damaged lands is estimated at 118,890 hectares. The main reason for the damage of this product is the sensitivity of almonds using an irrigation system to cold. Most of the frost damage occurred at the beginning of this year.

The total amount of almond production is predicted to be 5,460 tons in Khorasan Razavi province this year. According to the latest statistics, the area under almond cultivation in the region is 32,325 hectares, including 9,400 hectares of almonds using an irrigation system and 23,321 hectares of rain-fed almonds. A total of 30,873 hectares of almond orchards are fertile in the province. Accordingly, Khorasan Razavi province has first place in terms of almond cultivation area in Iran.

The most common type of almond grown in the region is paper shell almonds. The most crucial almond production areas in the province are Nishabur, Torbat-e Heydarieh, Sabzevar, Kashmar, and Gonabad. In recent years, the production of horticultural and stress-resistant crops has received more attention from farmers and gardeners due to limited water resources in the province, cultivation pattern policies, and more appropriate income than crops. Grafting of trees and gardens is formed to change the types. So that more resistant varieties can replace cold-sensitive cultivars. In addition to the issue of developing gardens in a principled way, improving the crop in terms of quantity and quality is one of the most critical priorities of farmers in Khorasan Razavi province.

Compared to last month, the price of Iranian almonds has increased. The cost of Iranian exported almonds has been stable in the first two weeks, and the price of this product has increased in the last two weeks. The increase in the price of Iranian almonds for export is due to Christmas and New Year. This product is used more on the mentioned occasions. This has led to increased demand for this product in the markets of many European countries and CIS countries. Compared to last month, the price of Sangi almonds has increased 4.8 to 5 per cent, and the cost of Mamae almond kernels has risen by about 3.8 to 4 per cent.