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Türkiye, once the world's third-largest producer of pistachios, is experiencing a significant downturn in its domestic production. The 2025 harvest has seen a substantial decrease, with output dropping from 383,000 tons to approximately 174,000 tons, primarily due to adverse weather conditions such as frost and drought.
This decline has led to a sharp rise in prices, with the cost per kilogram rising from ₺750 to ₺2,350 ($18 to $56), marking an increase of over 200%.
In response to soaring prices and to ensure the continued production of traditional Turkish sweets like baklava, the government has approved the import of pistachios from countries including Italy, the United States, Iran, and Syria. This move aims to stabilize the market and provide baklava producers with a more affordable supply of pistachios.
Despite the efforts, experts suggest that relying solely on imports may not be a sustainable solution. Gazi Kutlu, an agricultural writer, argues that the government should have intervened earlier by purchasing pistachios from local producers to control prices, similar to past actions taken with other commodities.
Historically, Türkiye has faced challenges with pistachio production, including a similar situation seven years ago when a "down year" led to increased prices and a halt in baklava production. At that time, the government encouraged producers to use hazelnuts as a substitute. However, the current situation is more complex, with ongoing issues such as climate change, water scarcity, and economic pressures affecting the agricultural sector.
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