Afghan orchard owners and traders report major disruptions to agricultural exports following the closure of trade crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which has now lasted nearly a month. The shutdown has sharply reduced exports of key produce such as pomegranates, apples, and grapes to Pakistan and India, causing farmgate prices to drop.
Shopkeepers in Kabul said prices for fruits have fallen by up to 250 Afghanis (US$3.40). "Grapes, which this year cost 400 to 500 Afghanis (US$5.40 to US$6.70) in Afghan markets, were sold at 800 to 900 Afghanis (US$10.80 to US$12.10) last year. That's a difference of 300 to 350 Afghanis (US$4.00 to US$4.70) per crate," said trader Naser Rahmani.
Growers say they are unable to sell their produce and are calling for government assistance to secure new markets and facilitate exports. "Last year, we sold three to four hundred thousand Afghanis (US$4,050 to US$5,400) worth of grapes, but this year no one is buying," said Zabihullah, an orchard owner. Another grower, Yaqoob, said: "In previous years, our products sold very well. For example, we sold one kharwar (approximately 300 kg) of grapes for 30,000 to 40,000 Afghanis (US$400 to US$540), but now the grapes are left unsold."
The Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock said the prolonged closure is negatively affecting both economies. First Deputy Mirwais Haji Zada stated, "More facilities and incentives must be provided by the government so traders are not victimized by the two countries' political issues. Cold storage and land must also be provided to prepare for next year."
The Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce previously reported that the suspension of trade and transit between Kabul and Islamabad has caused more than US$50 million in financial losses and cost around 25,000 jobs across both sides of the border.
As exports remain halted, Afghan growers and traders continue to face mounting losses, with much of the country's fruit harvest unsold in local markets.
Source: Tolo News
