Fruit Harvest in Paktia Increases by 15 Percent in Current Year

Officials from the Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock in Paktia have announced that the fruit harvest in the province has reached approximately 6,500 metric tons this year, marking a 15 percent rise compared to the previous year.

Sangarmal Jalali, head of the fruit section at Paktia’s Agriculture Directorate, stated that alongside fruit production, vegetable yields have also seen a significant increase this year. According to him, this growth is attributed to the expansion of orchards and improved utilization of cold storage facilities.

The Taliban administration official noted that currently, 379 cold storage units operate throughout Paktia, providing essential preservation for agricultural products. He added that about 700 tons of apples are stored in just one of these cold storage centers.

Officials from Paktia’s Agriculture Directorate claim that the province is approaching self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable production. However, experts consistently emphasize that sustaining this progress requires transparent management, practical support for farmers, and stable access to domestic and international markets — issues for which the Taliban administration is expected to be held accountable.