The closure of the Attari-Wagah border following the Pahalgam incident in Kashmir has severely disrupted the flow of Afghan dry fruits, nuts, and spices into India, pushing pistachio prices up by nearly 20%.
Pistachio kernels, traditionally imported from Afghanistan for use in Indian sweets, have seen prices rise by ₹400 per kilogram to ₹2,600–2,700. Importers warn of further hikes in the coming weeks.
“The pistachios used in barfis and other Indian sweets come from Afghanistan due to their distinctive taste and aroma,” said Ravindra Mehta, Founding Director of the Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFCI).
India sources nearly 90% of its dried figs and heeng, and around 50% of its saffron, dried apricots, and munakka from Afghanistan via the Attari-Wagah border. With this key route now shut, the supply chain has been critically hit. Imports via Iran — another potential route — remain constrained by banking restrictions.
Gunjan Jain, President of NDFCI, said Afghanistan’s $500-million annual dry fruit trade with India would be severely impacted, warning of a 15–20% rise in prices of imported dry fruits.
“We expect a tight supply situation and unprecedented price increases for anjeer, munakka, and other Afghan-origin products,” Jain added.
The timing worsens an already volatile market, where raisin prices have surged 35% over the past year due to low domestic production and increased fresh grape consumption during Ramadan. Globally, prices of almonds, cashews, and walnuts have also escalated owing to poor harvests in California, Australia, and Iran.
Afghan traders are now exploring alternative routes like Iran’s Chabahar port, though logistical challenges persist. Additionally, talks are underway with airlines to establish an air corridor between Kabul and India to facilitate dry fruit exports.
“In my lifetime, I have not witnessed such a disruption,” said Kanwarjit Bajaj, President of the Indo-Afghan Chamber of Commerce.
With no immediate resolution in sight, consumers and businesses alike should brace for higher prices and limited availability of key dry fruits in the coming months.