Investigation of Kerman Pistachio Producers\' Willingness to Participate in Balanced Development of Pistachio Acreage Project in Iran

In this study, using transfer of development rights analysis (TDR), Kerman pistachio producers' willingness to participate in balanced development of pistachio acreage project in country was measured. In this project pistachio production and development is redirected away from Kerman province, presumably not well suited for development, to some more suitable areas. A sample of 206 farmers selected, using stratified random sampling method. Results showed that balanced development of pistachio acreage project cannot be substituted to other alternatives, and be considered as a basic solution for removing water scarcity problem in Kerman province. From the farmers' point of view, the most important factors that can be considered as obstacle to this project are transportation and lack of security in new sites. Comparing balanced development of pistachio acreage project with other alternatives showed that water transferring project is preferred by 92 percent of pistachio producers. The results also revealed that 71.57 percent of farmers are ready to turn off water pumps in autumn season. Finally, among different districts in Anar and Rafsanjan cities, Saghi was proposed as a pilot for selecting farmers for participation in the balanced development of pistachio acreage. Also, it is strongly recommended that balanced development of pistachio acreage must be solely accomplished in farming program. In other words, the farmer who participate in this program and practice in sustainable agriculture framework should be supported.
JEL Classification: Q01, Q15, Q25

Keywords:
Pistachio, Kerman Province, Balanced Development, Transfer of Development Rights