In the Takhar as well as Badakhshan provinces in Afghanistan Farmers have reported an increase in their apple and grape yields as a result of positive spring rains. Despite bumper harvests they have to contend with falling prices as well as a dearth of markets that are suitable for their products. The current situation has generated the need for better sales opportunities in the domestic market and development in cold storage units that improve the preservation of their harvests.

Mirajuddin, a vineyard owner in the Takhar’s Chah Ab district, expressed his concerns about the decline in price and the inaccessibility of markets which may deter farming activities in the area. “We are very happy with the grape harvest of this year however the inability sell them is a concern,” he stated, stressing the difficulty of transporting and selling the grapes to neighboring provinces.

Qudus Another farmer from the area who has pointed out the negative effects from the absence of cold storage facilities and issues with exporting grapes that has resulted in an enormous drop in price. Farmers are now with no money to pay for their expenses as one ser (7 kg) of grapes fetching just 50 Afghanis.

In Badakhshan in Badakhshan, the scenario is the same for apple farmers. Rohullah of in the Baharak district, referred to the growing growth in apple farming because of the high yields, but he also complained about the lack of prices due to the lack of market access as well as the lack of facilities for cold storage. Mohammad Yaqoob from Kishim district also shared the same sentiments, pointing out the small profits made of this year’s affluent apple harvest.

Academics and economists from the local area have expressed concerns about the insufficient support offered to farmers, specifically in terms taxes and marketing. Fazlullah Professor Fazlullah, who is Takhar University professor, emphasized that it was essential of the Taliban to create more opportunities for marketing and construct cold storage facilities in order to help farmers. Fazlullah also suggested tax breaks in order to allow farmers to market their crops at a reasonable price.

Dependence on the Pakistani marketplace for exports of agricultural goods presents additional problems that are a challenge for Afghan farmers. In spite of recent agreements with Pakistani officials as well as the Taliban to cut import tariffs however, there remains doubt as to the viability over time of these policies.

The source: 8am Media