MAYMANA (SW) – Grapevine farmers in Faryab province are experiencing a paradox this year due to lack of market and declining prices despite a significant increase in the yield compared to previous years due to favorable conditions.
Farmers report that last year, due to climatic effects and various plant pests and diseases, their grape yields were reduced by 30 to 40 per cent. This year, however, yields have increased by up to 80 per cent.
Abdul Khalil, a farmer from Shirin Tagab district, mentioned that he manages around 30 jeribs of grapevines, producing over 20 varieties. While he is pleased with the increased harvest, he is troubled by the absence of a market and the falling prices for fresh grapes and raisins.
According to him, fresh grapes are selling in the market of Maymana city at prices ranging from 100 to 150 afghanis per a bag of seven kilograms, which does not cover the costs of vineyard operations.
“In the past, we used to export many of our grapes to Pakistan, but now the market is unstable; the routes for exports to Pakistan is sometimes open for a day, sometimes closed for ten days, or even a month. Currently, the market situation is very poor,” Abdul Khalid added.
Similarly, Najmuddin, a farmer from Qaisar district, highlights additional challenges such as the lack of cold storage and raisin processing facilities, limited export opportunities, water shortages, and inadequate support for farmers.
“We urge the Islamic government to facilitate trade with foreign countries so that our grapes and raisins can reach international markets and improve our economic situation,” he said.
Farmers are calling on local and central authorities to create opportunities for selling their produce in both domestic and international markets.
Agricultural experts in the province echo these concerns, affirming that the drop in prices and lack of suitable markets for fresh fruits, particularly grapes, is a significant issue. They say that a lack of support is diminishing farmers’ interest in domestic agricultural production.
Hafizullah Pashkhani, an agricultural expert in Faryab, notes that the province has approximately 15,970 hectares of vineyards, producing around 300,000 metric tons of grapes annually. He believes the de-facto government of the Islamic Emirate should impose higher taxes on imported fruits during the harvest season to ease the sale of domestic produce.
“Despite the increase in production this year, sales are weak. The Islamic Emirate must collaborate closely with Afghan traders to improve the export situation. This will benefit both the economy and the farmers by increasing income and providing better support for the agriculture sector,” he said.
In response, Ghulam Farooq, General Director of Promotion at the Directorate of the Irrigation, and Livestock in Faryab, confirms the increase in grape production this year, forecasting a yield of 381,000 metric tons—47 per cent higher than last year.
He identifies the closure of transit routes to neighbouring countries as a serious obstacle to exporting Faryab’s grapes. The Directorate has shared these challenges with central authorities and is working towards solutions, according to him.
“Unfortunately, every year, high production levels and the lack of standard cold storage facilities lead to very low grape prices. Farmers are understandably frustrated. The Faryab Agriculture Directorate is working to establish a large, standard cold storage facility in Qaisar district and Maymana city this year.”
Additionally, Farooq mentions that in previous years, more than 400 standard raisin processing factories have been built in various parts of the province. “This year, plans include constructing 20 new raisin processing factories and 10 new vineyards in several districts.”
Faryab is known for producing a variety of grapes, including black, white, Saibi, Lal (seedless grapes), Shakar (sugar grape), Hussaini, Maska, Qara Zagh, Shahabi, Khalili, and Shingle Khani types.
