In Herat, Afghanistan, the economic downturn has led to a decrease in consumer purchasing power, affecting fruit and vegetable vendors significantly. This situation has resulted in extensive spoilage of produce, as sellers are forced to dispose of unsold inventory, exacerbating their financial losses. Mohammad Mokhtar, a local vegetable vendor, highlighted the challenges faced by sellers, noting that the high cost of produce has severely impacted their livelihoods. "Business isn't what it used to be," Mokhtar stated, emphasizing the struggle to make ends meet with daily earnings barely covering basic expenses.
Similarly, Izzatullah, a fruit vendor in Herat, pointed out the difficulties in managing perishable goods and the narrow profit margins that result from rapid spoilage. The economic strain is not limited to vendors; it extends to the agricultural sector as well. Farmers in the region, such as Ghulam Ghaws, experience hardships due to high operational costs and limited access to markets, particularly for exports. Despite international support, including a $75 million investment in Afghanistan's agricultural sector by the United States over the past three years, as mentioned by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the local economy in Herat continues to struggle. The lack of infrastructure and market access perpetuates the cycle of poverty for vendors and farmers alike.
Source: amu