Unprecedented Decline in Cumin Prices in Kandahar Despite Increased Harvests

The Agriculture Department of Kandahar has announced a significant increase in both white and black cumin harvests this year in the province, but at the same time, an unprecedented drop in prices has caused severe economic losses for farmers.

According to the department, which operates under the Taliban administration, white and black cumin have been cultivated over a total of 6,455 hectares this year, with an expected yield of 6,289 tons for white cumin and 1,859 tons for black cumin. This represents a considerable increase compared to previous years.

However, farmers and traders report that due to blocked export routes and difficulties in transporting commercial goods, cumin prices have dropped by more than half. They warn that if this situation continues, it could reduce the incentive to cultivate this crop in the coming years and pose a serious challenge to the agricultural sector in Kandahar.

Officials from the Agriculture Department have stated that instead of exporting to Pakistan, this year’s cumin production is planned to be exported to Russia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Central Asian countries. Nonetheless, some market activists emphasize that until export routes are managed sustainably and regularly, increased production alone cannot prevent farmers’ losses, and the Taliban administration needs to take effective action to resolve transit issues.