Afghanistan’s Fruit Exports Flourish, Generating $580 Million in Six Months

KABUL – In a significant boost to its agrarian economy, Afghanistan exported fresh and dried fruits worth approximately $580 million in the first half of its current solar year (1404), according to an official statement from the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office (DPMEA) released on Monday.

The announcement underscores the growing role of the agricultural sector as a critical source of foreign currency for the country.

Key Export Markets and Products

The exports reached a diverse array of international markets, highlighting a demand for Afghan produce beyond its immediate borders. The key importing nations include:

• Regional Neighbors: India, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and China.

• Middle East & Gulf States: The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iraq.

• Other Major Markets: Russia.

The exported goods showcase the diversity of Afghanistan’s orchards. The shipments included:

• Dried Fruits: Figs, pistachios, almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, and raisins.

• Fresh Fruits: Grapes, apricots, pomegranates, apples, melons, watermelons, cherries, and pears.

Logistics and Infrastructure Push

The DPMEA emphasized that these exports were facilitated through multiple channels, utilizing land routes and air corridors. This multi-modal approach helps ensure the timely delivery of perishable fresh fruits to international markets.

The statement attributed this export performance to a strategic focus by the Islamic Emirate on increasing trade. Over the past four years, the administration has prioritized export growth by taking “significant steps to expand land routes, develop railway networks, and activate air corridors with neighboring, regional, and international markets.”

Strong Monthly Growth Trend

Supporting the robust half-year figure, the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) provided data yesterday showing a notable monthly increase. In the month of Mizan (which corresponds to late September to late October in the Gregorian calendar), exports reached nearly $275 million.

This represents a substantial surge of $45.1 million compared to the previous month, indicating a positive and accelerating trend in the country’s export sector.

Analysis: A Vital Economic Lifeline

The $580 million figure is a critical indicator of the health of Afghanistan’s agricultural sector, which remains a cornerstone of its economy amid the withdrawal of substantial international aid and a banking sector crisis.

• Economic Stabilizer: Fruit and nut exports provide a vital source of hard currency and support the livelihoods of a large portion of the population, from farmers to traders.

• Infrastructure Critical: The success of these exports, particularly fresh fruit, is heavily dependent on efficient cold chains and logistics. The continued development of air corridors and land routes is essential to maintain the quality and competitiveness of Afghan products.

• Future Potential: With continued investment in modern agricultural techniques, water management, and export infrastructure, Afghanistan has the potential to further increase its share of the global dried and fresh fruit market.

The data suggests that despite ongoing economic challenges, Afghanistan’s traditional agricultural strengths are becoming an increasingly important pillar of its economy under the current administration.

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