Afghanistan is one of the countries with a unique capability in producing dried and fresh fruits. These fruits have not only found a significant market domestically but have also attracted attention internationally. This report will examine the challenges of fruit exports and explore potential solutions. In recent years, Afghan dried fruits have secured a special place in international markets.
Ehsan Ahmadi, a trader at Kabul Fruit Market, says: “Afghan fruits are delicious and of high quality, but their prices drop significantly during the harvest season, preventing farmers from making sufficient profits.” This problem arises because selling and preserving fruits in the domestic market faces considerable difficulties. The government and the private sector must now seriously focus on exporting these fruits and pave the way for this process.
Engineer Sorgul, a farmer from the Khwat region of Wardak province, states: “Governments have repeatedly promised to export Afghan fresh fruits abroad, but these promises have not been fulfilled.” According to him, no cold storage facilities have been built, and no substantial pathways for exporting fresh fruits have been established.
This issue has arisen because necessary facilities for preserving and transporting fruits have not been provided. Another gardener in Kabul, Babrak Khan, says: “All our fruits rot and go to waste to the point where we cannot even cover the transportation costs from the orchard to the market.” According to him, the government and the private sector need to understand this issue seriously and seek stable international markets for the fruits. Progress in fruit exports and market development not only benefits Afghanistan’s economy but also improves the living standards of fruit growers. Several essential steps can be taken to advance Afghan fruit exports:
1. Building Cold Storage Facilities: Constructing cold storage facilities is crucial for preserving fruits. These facilities will extend the shelf life of fruits, allowing farmers to offer their products to foreign markets at the appropriate time.
2. Export Policies and Facilities: The government should formulate specific policies for fruit exports and provide facilities in this sector. These policies should include significant measures to eliminate customs and other administrative obstacles.
3. Access to International Markets: Afghan fruit sellers need access to international markets. The government and the private sector should collaboratively develop strategies for these markets and ensure the global quality of the products.
4. Quality Control and Packaging: Quality control and packaging standards are critical for fruit exports. International standards should be considered to ensure Afghan fruits find their place in global markets.
5. Training and Support for Farmers: The government should provide training and support to farmers. This training should cover modern fruit cultivation, preservation, and marketing to enable them to present their products effectively in the market. In conclusion, Afghan fresh fruits are a significant economic resource that can bring substantial benefits to the country’s economy if properly attended to.
The government and the private sector must work together to ensure these fruits find their place in international markets, allowing farmers to maximize their profits from their products.