Kandahar Fruit Exports Surpass $428M

DID Press: Authorities of the Taliban administration in Kandahar province say more than 182,000 metric tons of fresh and dried fruits worth approximately $428.8 million have been exported from the province since the beginning of the current year, reflecting the expansion of Afghanistan’s agricultural export markets.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock in Kandahar reported that 182,381 tons of fresh and dried fruits were shipped to international markets during the year.

According to the figures, the total export value reached $428.863 million, with key products including pomegranates, grapes, almonds, figs, and raisins forming the bulk of shipments.

Out of the total exports, 101,385 tons were dried fruits and 80,996 tons were fresh fruits. Dried fruits mainly included raisins, almonds, figs, and dried sweets, while fresh exports consisted largely of pomegranates, grapes, melons, and apples.

The products were exported to countries including India, Qatar, Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Canada, Turkey, Iraq, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Germany, indicating expanding international demand.

Officials also reported increased pomegranate exports, noting that for the first time, 25 tons were shipped to Russia via the Torghundi border, with plans to raise this figure to 250 tons in the coming years.

In recent months, efforts have been made to diversify export routes, including shipments via Iran to Gulf countries and 500 tons of fruits transported through Hairatan port to Uzbekistan.

Despite growth in exports, traders say high transit costs, transportation challenges, and delays remain major obstacles to competitiveness in global markets, calling for improved infrastructure and reduced logistics expenses.