Mehr News Agency – Provincial Group; The almonds of this region have gained a reputation beyond borders due to their unique taste, high oil content, and exportability. A large portion of this product is annually exported to European and Asian countries, bringing significant foreign exchange to the country.
This product also plays a key role in the economy of the region’s rural households.
The county of Saman produces almonds in varieties such as Mamaee, Rabee’, Sefid, and various stony almonds, with Saman’s first-grade Mamaee almond being the most expensive nuts in the country, and there is a good reception of Saman’s almond varieties from domestic and foreign buyers.
Unfortunately, the almonds produced in this county are sold in bulk, and there is no specific brand for them.
According to officials from the Agricultural Jihad of this province, out of a total of 14,800 hectares of almond cultivation, 10,000 hectares belong to Saman, and despite this, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari have ranked first in almond production in the country for a decade.
Barg Al-e Almond is our identity
Ali Moradi, one of the garden owners from Saman, stated: We grew up with almonds here. Almond gardens are not just a source of income for us; they are our identity. We were familiar with almond trees since childhood and still care for them with all our heart.
He talked about the type of almonds they cultivate: Shahroodi and Rabee’ almonds are among our most popular varieties. The special climate of the area has made the almond kernels sweeter and larger, which foreign buyers clearly recognize.
Moradi stated: If technical and export support is strengthened, our almonds could become a global brand and transform the economic cycle of the region.
Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari has nearly 25 thousand hectares of almond gardens
Ali Sohrabi, a horticulture expert, in an interview with Mehr News Agency, stated: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari has nearly 25 thousand hectares of almond gardens, producing thousands of tons of product annually. Our focus is on teaching modern irrigation methods and organic feeding to maintain product quality.
He also pointed out the necessity of developing processing industries and said: If we can expand conversion industries like oil extraction or advanced packaging in the region, added value will be brought to the farmer, and raw sales will decrease.
Sohrabi believes that the future of almonds in this province is bright: With precise planning, this product can be introduced as an export brand, especially in target markets like India, Turkey, and the Persian Gulf countries.
We need smoother mechanisms for export
Mohammad Fathi, one of the almond exporters in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, said in an interview with Mehr News Agency: In recent years, we have witnessed increased demand for Iranian almonds, especially Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. Its special taste and organic nature are our winning cards in the global market.
He pointed out one of the upcoming challenges: Customs issues and currency fluctuations have made a portion of exports difficult. We need smoother mechanisms for export.
Fathi concluded: Elegant packaging facilities that comply with international standards can significantly increase our share in the global market. This is a golden opportunity for farmers and investors.
According to Mehr News Agency, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari almonds are not only an agricultural product but also part of the cultural and economic capital of the region. What distinguishes this product is a combination of the special nature of the area and the traditional knowledge of local producers. With targeted support, this product can be turned into a symbol of sustainable and export-oriented Iranian agriculture. The presence of investors and private sector activists alongside governmental institutions smooths the path of development. The future of this province’s almonds, if properly guided, can be a point of reliance for rural economic prosperity and the preservation of natural resources.
News code: 6510281
Source: Mehr News Agency