FAO and World Bank Support Establishment of 525 Agricultural Storage Centers in Afghanistan

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced the creation of 525 storage centers for raisins, potatoes, and onions across Afghanistan, with support from the World Bank. These facilities have been established through community-based interest groups in the central, northern, southern, and western regions of the country.

According to the FAO, the initiative aims to extend the shelf life of agricultural products, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve storage conditions for farmers. The lack of proper storage infrastructure has long been a major challenge for agriculture in many parts of Afghanistan.

The FAO reports that these new facilities can play a significant role in increasing farmers’ incomes by helping them preserve produce longer and sell it at more favorable times.

As a country whose economy heavily relies on agriculture, a large portion of Afghanistan’s population earns a living through farming. International organizations have repeatedly emphasized that investing in agricultural infrastructure is a key strategy for strengthening rural livelihoods and reducing poverty in Afghanistan.