Border Closure with Afghanistan Push Pakistani Farmers Toward Crisis

DID Press: Continued closure of border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan has created a serious crisis for Pakistani farmers, particularly in production of vegetables and other agricultural goods.

With major crossings shut, farmers face mounting difficulties as surpluses build up inside the country and exports to Afghanistan remain halted — driving prices sharply downward and intensifying financial pressure across the sector.

Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, head of the Pakistan Farmers Union, told local media that many growers are now unable to sell their produce in domestic markets, while cold-storage facilities are filled to capacity.

He warned that, given the high cost of cultivation, farmers are facing the threat of bankruptcy.

According to Khokhar, production costs for one acre of potatoes range from 270,000 to 300,000 rupees, yet falling prices mean farmers cannot even recover their basic expenses.

He cautioned that many growers may be forced out of agriculture altogether, with broader economic implications nationwide.

Ahmad Hassan, one of the largest owners of potato cold-storage facilities in Punjab, said conditions were far better last year when the Afghan borders were open. Now, with crossings closed and exports suspended, farmers are confronting severe economic strain.