Chilgoza Price Drops Massively in Pakistan

Prices of pine nuts (chilghoza) have recorded a 50 to 60 percent decrease this year. The price of one kilogram previously ranged between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 18,000, but this season it has fallen to Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 9,000 per kg. In Balochistan’s Zhob and Sherani districts, pine nuts were even sold for Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 per kg. Farmers and traders in Balochistan say the sharp decline in prices is largely due to the closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and insufficient rainfall. Traders added that whatever the reason may be, consumers are taking full advantage of the lower prices. Experts say pine nuts lose weight if they are not kept in cold storage, and due to the lack of cold storage facilities in Balochistan, traders are forced to sell pine nuts at reduced rates.