An Afghan-Uzbek joint poultry farm producing chicks and broiler chickens has commenced operations in Mazar-i-Sharif with an initial investment of $1 million.
According to the Balkh Directorate of Agriculture and Livestock, the farm was established through a partnership between an Afghan businessman and an Uzbek company.
Karim Baryalai, a shareholder in the farm, welcomed the expansion of economic cooperation between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, saying the project is expected to attract further investment. He noted that investment is planned to rise to $5 million over the next five years.
The farm will have the capacity to supply poultry farmers across Afghanistan with between 3 million and 10 million chicks per month, he added.
Meanwhile, Mawlavi Mohammad Musa Mobin, director of agriculture, irrigation and livestock in Balkh, said approximately 1,500 poultry farms, hatcheries and broiler production facilities are operating in the province, of which about 500 are active on a regular and sustained basis.
Balkh has achieved self-sufficiency in poultry production, Mobin said, adding that poultry and chick production from the province is also supplied to other parts of the country.
Local residents have welcomed the establishment and expansion of poultry farms, saying such investments will create jobs and contribute to economic development.
The poultry industry is considered a vital component of domestic production, with the number of poultry farms across Afghanistan rising in recent years.
