Farmers in Ghazni, Afghanistan, have expressed satisfaction with this year's apple yield but are facing challenges in selling their produce due to the absence of a suitable market. They have called on government officials for assistance, highlighting the need for cold storage facilities to preserve their agricultural products. Officials acknowledge these concerns, noting efforts to secure markets for agricultural outputs.
According to Sultan, a local gardener, despite a better harvest than the previous year, apple prices have significantly dropped. Last year, various apple varieties fetched between 1.50 - 3.00 USD for seven kilograms, but prices have declined this season due to low demand.
Allah Mohammad, another farmer, pointed out that the lack of cold storage solutions forces farmers to sell their produce at reduced prices quickly to avoid spoilage. He believes that with adequate cold storage facilities, farmers could store fruits and sell them based on market demand, thus avoiding losses.
Government representatives, including Qari Zekria Hotak from the Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock department, confirmed the seasonal challenge of selling the large volumes of harvested fruits. Plans are underway to export 5,000 tons of apples to Pakistan and India, facilitated by private companies in collaboration with the provincial administration and chamber of commerce. So far, 600 tons have been exported.
Abdul Matin Qalandar from the Chamber of Commerce noted that exports through Spin Boldak port have faced hurdles, emphasizing that cold storage facilities could alleviate some of these challenges by allowing for better timing of market supply.
Officials report that Ghazni's apple orchards, spread across multiple districts, yield approximately 400,000 metric tons of apples annually.
Source: PAJHWOK