KABU: Officials for Afghanistan Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Union say that farmers’ agricultural products have increased in the current year.
In an exclusive interview with Radio OMID on Saturday (27 January), the head of the union Omid Haidari, said that the country’s vegetable and fruit yields increased during the current year.
He highlights the support of the Islamic Emirate towards orchardists and farmers, as well as the prevention of smuggling of fresh fruits and vegetables are among the factors that have caused an increase in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables in the country.
Haidari asked investors for further investing in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Omid Haidari called the establishment of standardized cold storage facilities at ports as part of the supportive programs aimed at enhancing the quality and management of fruits and vegetables.
“The creation of cold storage facilities is effective in preserving fruits and vegetables on the one hand, and it creates jobs on the other hand,” he said.
Unhealthy competition, non-recognition of the Islamic Emirate, banking restrictions and creation of challenges by neighboring countries are considered obstacles that have hindered the export of fresh fruits and vegetables from Afghanistan.
On the other hand, the officials of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment have recently urged the country’s citizens to increase the use of domestic fruits and vegetables.
Mohammad Younus Mohmand, the Deputy Chamber of Commerce and Investment, stated last week in Kabul that Afghan traders’ storages are full of apples.
Officials report an increase in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables in the country, at a time that the burden on farmers has been further exacerbated in recent years due to increased drought conditions.