The Hidden Cost of Warmth: Dry Fruit Prices Surge Across KP
Fakhar e Alam
Peshawar: On a foggy winter morning in Peshawar, Muhammad Zakir, a 58-year-old dry fruits trader, opens his shop in the bustling Firdus Bazaar.
Dressed in a traditional chaddar and a Chitrali woolen cap, Zakir meticulously arranges his stock of almonds, pistachios, cashews, figs, raisins, walnuts, and salted seeds, hoping to attract customers during the peak of the winter season. However, his optimism is dampened by sluggish sales.
“These days, most people just inquire about prices and leave empty-handed,” lamented Zakir, who has been in the dry fruit business for 25 years. “With exorbitant prices, customers are hesitant to buy, leaving us to wait late into the night in hopes of selling our stock before winter ends to avoid financial losses.”
Zakir’s shop, nestled in Firdus Bazaar, a hub of dry fruit trade in Peshawar, is stocked with a variety of locally sourced and imported nuts. He explained that premium Afghan almonds are priced between Rs 2,600 and Rs 3,000 per kilogram, while Iranian pistachios, including Akbari, Ahmadghai, and Doda varieties, fetch Rs 3,600 per kilogram.
The Winter Necessity
Dry fruits are considered an essential winter food in Pakistan, providing warmth and vital nutrients. According to Dr. Sirzamin Khan, head of the medical ward at Nowshera’s Government Hospital, dry fruits are rich in fats, proteins, and vitamins that help the body generate heat and maintain energy levels during sub-zero temperatures.
“They are especially beneficial for senior citizens in winter,” he advised, urging people to incorporate dry fruits into their diet to combat the winter chill.
However, the escalating prices of dry fruits have raised concerns among citizens in Peshawar, Nowshera, and Charsadda. Many are calling on the district government to regulate prices and take action against hoarders and profiteers.
Riaz Khan, a retired schoolteacher, expressed frustration over the lack of regulatory measures. “The government’s failure to control prices of essential items, including dry fruits, has left millions at the mercy of hoarders,” he said.
Traders Struggle Amid Rising Costs
For Karim Khan, a veteran trader with 40 years of experience at Chowk Yadgar’s dry fruits market, this winter has been particularly challenging. “Sales have plummeted,” he shared, urging the government to introduce special loan packages for struggling traders to sustain their businesses.
Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reveals that between July and October 2023, Pakistan imported over 31,000 metric tons of dry fruits worth Rs 5 billion ($17.75 million) from countries including Iran, Afghanistan, and Indonesia.
Despite these imports, prices remain unaffordable for many, exacerbated by challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and economic instability.
The Bigger Picture
Former chairman of the Political Economics Department at the University of Peshawar, Dr. Naeem Khattak, highlighted the broader issues affecting dry fruit prices. “Pakistan ranks 99th out of 121 countries facing food insecurity, malnutrition, and hunger,” he noted, adding that approximately 26% of annual food production—valued at $4 billion—is wasted due to inefficiencies.
The devastating 2022 floods, which caused losses of $3.7 billion to the agriculture sector, further strained food security.
“Nearly 14.6 million people in Pakistan require food assistance, while 20% of the population remains undernourished,” Dr. Khattak said. He emphasized the need for tripartite agreements among Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan to curb smuggling and ensure stable supplies.
Dr. Khattak also pointed out the cultural perception of dry fruits as a luxury item, leading to wastage among affluent communities. “We must reassess our priorities and value dry fruits as a precious commodity,” he urged.
Government Measures
KP Minister for Food Muhammad Zahir Shah outlined measures to regulate prices and control the movement of dry fruits in border areas. He highlighted the development of an online food price monitoring system, enabling citizens to check daily prices and lodge complaints against overcharging vendors.
“The Price Magistrates Inspection Mobile App ensures real-time performance tracking, and district price control committees meet regularly to review and notify fresh price lists for dry fruits, fruits, and vegetables,” the minister explained.
Despite these efforts, traders like Zakir and Karim Khan remain skeptical, hoping for tangible support to revive their businesses and make dry fruits affordable for all citizens. As winter draws to a close, the future of Peshawar’s dry fruit trade hangs in the balance.
The feature report was released by APP on January 19, 2025.
The information and statistics in this report are the sole responsibility of the reporter and the organization.
