Some farmers in Takhar and Badakhshan provinces report that this year’s spring rains have significantly increased the apple and grape harvests in these regions. However, they are frustrated by the falling prices and the lack of suitable markets for selling their produce. They are also urging authorities to create better opportunities for selling their crops in domestic markets and to establish cold storage facilities.
Mirajuddin, a farmer in the Chah Ab district of Takhar Province, is pleased with this year’s grape harvest but is concerned about the price drop and the absence of markets. He warns that if the situation continues, farmers in districts beyond the Kokcha River, including Chah Ab, may lose interest in continuing their agricultural activities.
“We are happy with this year’s grape harvest, but the inability to sell them is worrisome,” Mirajuddin says. “We cannot transport the grapes to Yangi Qala, Dasht Qala, or Imam Sahib in Kunduz Province for sale. We haven’t even recovered the costs we invested.”
Qudus, another farmer from Chah Ab, explains that the absence of cold storage and the failure to export grapes through the Sher Khan Port to Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and other neighboring countries have caused a sharp decline in grape prices in both local markets and other provinces. He notes, “When grapes are harvested, all farmers bring their produce to market, which causes prices to drop drastically, leaving us unable to cover labor costs and annual orchard expenses. This year, we’re selling one ser (7 kg) of grapes for just 50 Afghanis.” Qudus points out that grape vineyards in districts beyond the Kokcha River, including Chah Ab in Takhar, are at risk. If the Taliban do not address these issues, many farmers will be forced to abandon their orchards.
Similarly, farmers in Badakhshan, who face comparable challenges, report an increase in this year’s apple harvest. They explain that apples have become a popular crop in recent years due to consistently high yields.
Rohullah, a farmer from the Baharak district in Badakhshan, says that many farmers in the area have recently turned to apple farming and are achieving good results. However, he notes that due to a lack of access to domestic markets, Baharak apples are not being sold at fair prices. “Apples are an excellent crop, and planting English apple trees has become widespread in this district in recent years,” Rohullah says. “But because we lack cold storage, we’re forced to sell them at low prices.”
Rohullah emphasizes that farmers in Baharak face numerous challenges in selling their produce, and while they lack storage facilities, the Taliban continue to impose heavy taxes on them.
Mohammad Yaqoob, a farmer from the Kishim district of Badakhshan, mentions that although apple harvests in Kishim have risen this year, there are no opportunities to export the apples abroad. Consequently, they are sold at low prices in local markets, particularly in Taloqan and Fayzabad. “The harvest is good this year, but due to low apple prices, our profits are minimal and barely cover our expenses,” Yaqoob says. “No matter how large the harvest, the benefits remain small.”
Economic experts echo the concerns of the farmers about the decline in prices and the lack of suitable markets in both Badakhshan and Takhar. They argue that the lack of Taliban support for farmers is diminishing their motivation to continue farming.
Fazlullah, a professor at a private university in Takhar, suggests that the Taliban should help farmers, especially those producing fruit, by providing them with better marketing opportunities so they can sell their produce at more favorable prices, both locally and internationally. Speaking to the Hasht-e Subh Daily, Fazlullah said, “Unfortunately, this year farmers in the northeastern provinces of Takhar and Badakhshan are facing more hardships than before. The Taliban must address their issues, and one of the best solutions is to build cold storage facilities so that farmers can store their produce.”
He further adds, “The Taliban should exempt farmers from excessive taxes to help domestic producers at least sell their crops at reasonable prices and make a profit.”
Afghanistan’s agricultural exports largely depend on the Pakistani market. Every year during harvest season, Pakistan imposes various restrictions that prevent Afghan agricultural products from reaching global markets. Recently, Pakistani officials and the Taliban agreed to lower import tariffs on Afghan goods at the Torkham and Chaman border crossings to zero. However, Afghan exporters and traders remain skeptical about the sustainability of this decision.
You can read the Persian version of this daily report here:
