Afghanistan’s Pistachios: From Global Exports to Destruction amid Poverty and Disorder

Jul 20, 2025 | Elina Qalam
Hasht-e-Subh Daily
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Several Afghan dried fruit exporters have reported that pistachios have been harvested prematurely over the past two years, before reaching the “shool” (a term used in parts of Afghanistan for the period when pistachios are mature and ready for harvest) stage. They note that this early harvesting has significantly impacted the quality of pistachios and their export process, undermining the product’s reputation in global markets. They also emphasize that the presence of nomads in pistachio forests has caused severe damage to these natural resources, as nomads use pistachio trees for fuel and livestock feed.