Agricultural products, particularly fruits, constitute a significant part of Afghanistan’s economy. Unfortunately, every year, many of Afghanistan’s key fruits lose their value or are sold at low prices due to the lack of standard cold storage facilities. Over the years, both the government and international organizations have made promises to establish proper cold storage systems for fruits to ensure they remain fresh and can be sold at competitive prices in international markets. However, no substantial practical steps have been taken so far.
Every year, Afghan fruits like grapes, pomegranates, apricots, apples, and other agricultural products suffer losses due to the absence of cold storage. On one hand, farmers and traders face financial losses because their products spoil, and on the other hand, Afghanistan misses out on global economic opportunities that could be gained through fruit exports. Afghanistan’s agricultural products are of high quality, and if proper cold storage facilities are built, the country’s connection to international markets will see significant improvement.
For the Afghan caretaker government, this is a critical issue that requires serious attention. The government must not only fulfill its previous promises but also collaborate with international organizations and the private sector to establish standard cold storage facilities. Such investments will not only benefit farmers but also bring about substantial changes in the country’s economic development.
The private sector also plays an important role in solving this problem. If Afghan traders and the private sector invest in cold storage facilities, it will bring them financial benefits and also contribute significantly to the national economy. Preserving agricultural products and presenting them to the market in a standardized manner are key steps in expanding trade and economic growth.
The first step to solving this issue is for the Afghan caretaker government to create a comprehensive and effective plan to build cold storage facilities in all regions that produce large quantities of fruits and other agricultural products. This will help farmers preserve their products and sell them at higher prices in international markets.
In conclusion, this is a matter that the Afghan caretaker government and the private sector must take seriously. If practical steps are taken and investments are made appropriately, Afghanistan can greatly benefit from its fruit exports. Implementing this plan will not only bring financial benefits to Afghanistan but also be a major step toward strengthening the country’s agricultural sector. Additionally, the construction of cold storage facilities will address the problems faced by farmers and traders who suffer losses due to the spoilage of their products.