Kandahar Fig Exports Surge to Over 39,000 Tonnes, Tripling Last Year’s Total

The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Kandahar has announced that more than 39,000 tonnes of figs have been exported from the province to various countries this year. According to officials, this marks a significant increase compared to last year, when just over 13,000 tonnes were exported.

Mohammad Hanif Haqmal, the department’s spokesperson, told the media that Afghan traders carried out this year’s exports, with the majority of shipments sent to regional and international destinations, including the United Arab Emirates, India, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, China, Canada, Nepal, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.

Despite economic challenges and political restrictions under Taliban rule, Afghan exporters have managed to secure new markets for domestic products, particularly Kandahar figs. However, experts say the agriculture sector continues to face major obstacles due to a lack of coherent support and targeted policymaking from the Taliban administration.

Economic analysts assert that with appropriate support for farmers and exporters, agricultural products could play a significant role in improving rural household incomes and increasing national revenue. So far, however, the Taliban has not introduced a clear plan in this regard.