Crisis threatening dates in Ahwaz: 50% drop in production and the risk of losing global markets
Majid Matorianpour, head of the Ahwaz Dates Association, warned of the continued decline in the quality and production of dates in Ahwaz, stressing that this could lead to the loss of its position in global markets.
In a press statement, Matorianpour said that rising temperatures and water salinity caused a 50% drop in date production this year in southwestern Ahwaz.
He explained that well-known date varieties such as “Estameran,” which enjoy global popularity, are at risk of losing their markets to competing countries like Pakistan if the crisis continues.
Matorianpour emphasized that the main reason behind this disaster lies in Iran’s water management policies, which deliberately divert river flows into central Iran, in addition to allowing rice cultivation at the expense of palm groves. As a result, Ahwaz’s orchards receive only 10 to 15% of their rightful water share, negatively impacting production quality.
He also announced preparations for a national date conference in Ahwaz next fall, lasting two days, dedicated to discussing challenges and presenting solutions to develop the date sector, as it is considered a key pillar in supporting the local economy through exports.
Ahwaz is one of the region’s leading date-producing areas, but Iran’s destructive water policies continue to threaten the future of this vital sector and expose it to collapse.
