Severe Land Subsidence Threatens Pistachio Orchards in Southeastern Iran
Farmers in southeastern Iran are experiencing significant land subsidence, sinking up to 37 centimeters annually. This crisis is attributed to drought and the over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation.
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In southeastern Iran, farmers like Armin are facing severe land subsidence due to over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation, with some areas sinking by up to 37 centimeters (14 inches) annually, threatening their pistachio orchards that rely on this crucial water source. In contrast, California's pistachio growers are also aware of subsidence issues, with some regions sinking by about 20 centimeters (approximately 8 inches) a year, but they are currently implementing measures like the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) to manage water resources. Historically, pistachio production in California has outpaced Iran's, largely due to the reliance on an Iranian variety called Kerman, with California now producing a significant portion of the world's supply while Iranian farmers struggle with lower market access and the impact of sanctions.