Main center of peanut cultivation in Iran: Waiting for sufficient irrigation
According to IRNA, Astana Ashrafieh city is located in the east of Gilan province (Iran) and is known as the main production center of peanut in the country, with 2,507 hectares of fertile peanut lands.
This city is located near the Sefidrood River and because of this it is profited by great light and rich soil. Now, about 80% of the peanuts needed in the country are produced by peanut growers in this region and supplied to consumer markets.
Cultivation of this crop begins every year in early May in the agricultural lands of the region and its crop is harvested in late September. Peanuts are of special importance in the economy of this city, so that at present, about seven thousand farmers (directly) and four thousand people (indirectly) are involved in its cultivation, maintenance, harvesting and processing.
However, due to the climatic potential of the region for peanut cultivation, the production of this strategic crop is facing problems such as non-implementation of new irrigation projects under pressure, statistics and reports show that the percentage of benefit from this project in the city is almost negligible.
Necessity of irrigation under pressure of sandy landscapes in the main center of peanut cultivation of Iran
One of the peanut growers in Safarabesteh area of Astana Ashrafieh city, referring to the importance of paying attention to the implementation of new projects for the cultivation and production of peanuts, told IRNA: Implementation of pressure irrigation project in the sandy lands of the city, which are at a higher level of water resources such as rivers, seems to be essential.
Mohammad Reza Kaspour, referring to the trend of drought in Rasht and the increase of hot days, especially in summer, continued: According to the importance of the role of water in the production and quality of peanuts, Agricultural Jihad experts are expected to identify areas that need to implement a pressurized irrigation project, to acquaint peanut farmers with the objectives of such projects.
He also added: Implementation of pressurized irrigation project in lands facing irrigation problems can play an effective role in the production and quality of peanuts.
Another peanut grower and resident of Noghreh village in Bandar Kiashahr district also told IRNA: Having the right humidity and water is one of the most essential needs of the lands under peanut cultivation.
Morteza Hassanzadeh, stating that the lack of proper moisture causes damage to the peanut crop, added: High humidity as well as high drought cause many diseases, especially fungus in the peanut crop.
He mentioned the village of Noghreh Deh as one of the potential areas of this city in the field of peanut cultivation and production and continued: The village has sandy lands that are located above the river. So it is necessary to implement a pressure irrigation project in this area.
This peanut grower considered the implementation of this project as one of the important demands of the peanut farmers in the region and noted: A number of peanut growers in the village have carried out this project on their lands, which has also had a favorable result in the field of peanut cultivation and harvesting.
Hassanzadeh emphasised the need for the Agricultural Jihad to support the implementation of the pressurized irrigation project in the city’s peanut cultivation lands, saying: Paying proper facilities to peanut growers can help them implement this plan, while the implementation of this plan requires proper planning.
85% of government share in financing
In an interview with IRNA, the management of Astana Ashrafieh Agricultural Jihad, while pointing to the importance of implementing the pressurized irrigation project in the peanut cultivated lands of this city, said: Peanuts are an important agricultural product that needs adequate water and moisture.
Mehrdad Mohammadi added: Therefore, in order to supply the water needed for the cultivation and production of peanuts, the implementation of pressurized irrigation project in some areas of the city is a priority.
He announced the area under peanut cultivation in this city as 2,507 hectares and noted: Implementation of pressurized irrigation project in about 40% of the lands of Noghra Deh and Nabi Dehka areas is necessary due to the spread of drought.
The management of Astana Ashrafieh Agricultural Jihad, referring to the government’s support programs for the implementation of the pressurized irrigation project in peanut orchards, said: According to the plans made, all peanut farmers who wish to implement this project in their peanut cultivation lands will be supported by paying appropriate facilities and there are no restrictions.
According to Mohammadi, 85% of the cost of the project will be provided by the government and the rest will be provided by peanut farmers with appropriate conditions, while there are no restrictions on the implementation of this project in the region.
He also mentioned that efforts are being made to implement this plan in some of the city’s peanut cultivation lands this year: The experts of Agriculture Jihad Organization have prioritized their educational and promotional programs in order to attract the participation of peanut farmers in order to implement a pressurized irrigation project in this region.
The manager of Agricultural Jihad Organization of Astana Ashrafieh, invited all peanut farmers in the city to implement a pressurized irrigation project in peanut fields, and added: Peanut cultivation starts every year in early May in this city, the peanut crop of this region is harvested in late August and offered to the consumer market.
Noghreh Deh, Nabi Dehka, Perkapasht Yavarzadeh and Korka are the most important peanut cultivation and production centers in Astana Ashrafieh city and 99% of the peanut cultivation lands in this region are mechanized and 1% are traditionally cultivated.
Now, near the cultivation season, the peanut fields are waiting for the support of farmers and officials to produce this product in the best conditions. A product that is very vulnerable to drought and needs a pressure irrigation plan as soon as possible.
Subscribe to our newsletter for news on FMCG and Iran’s nuts and dried fruits industry.