Grape production has increased by 20 percent in northern Samangan province this year, officials and growers say.
But growers resent a decline in grape prices and a custom duty hike by the government of neighboring Pakistan.
Commercial grape gardens are located in the Feroz Nakhchar and Hazrat Sultan districts of the province.
Deputy Provincial Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock Mohammad Osman Hanafi told Pajhwok Afghan News grape gardens on 7,400 acres of land produced 25,000 metric tons.
The production showed a 20 percent increase compared to last year, he said, adding a kilogram of grapes accounted for 18 Afghanis, 5 Afghani lower than the price of previews year.
He linked the low price to the high custom duty by Pakistan on Afghan fruits.
Nasratullah, a grape merchant, complained of lack of the cold storage facility and high taxes by Pakistan. The duty also harmed pomegranate exports from Kandahar.
