Some orchard owners and investors in Ghazni province say the lack of standard processing centers and cold storage facilities, along with high customs tariffs, has created serious challenges for the export of fresh fruits.

They add that due to the absence of such infrastructure, Afghanistan’s horticultural products are processed in Pakistan and then exported to global markets under Pakistan’s name.

 “The products we currently produce are non-standard and no country accepts them. But if we can properly process and clean them, there’s potential for export to European countries. Right now, Afghan products are first sent to Pakistan, processed there, and then exported under Pakistan’s name because we lack processing centers,” said Ghiasuddin, a trader in Ghazni. 

“Neither the previous government nor the current one has taken any steps toward processing these products. There is also no proper facility for storing them, and customs tariffs are very high,” stated Azizurrahman Mirzayi, a trader.

“We ask the Islamic Emirate to support orchard owners and farmers,” said Haji Malang, an orchard owner in Ghazni.

Meanwhile, local officials say they are working to improve the quality of horticultural products and establish cold storage and standard processing centers in the province.

 “The agriculture department is working to improve the quality of orchard produce so that products can be developed with demand in foreign markets,” said Mohammad Zakaria Hotak, spokesperson for the Ghazni Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock.

 “Once the land allocation process is complete, we will soon see the construction of cold storage facilities. The Industry and Trade Department is also working to establish fresh and dried fruit processing centers in several parts of Ghazni city,” said Sayed Munir Hashemi, head of central registration at the Ghazni Department of Industry and Trade.

This comes as local officials report an increase in fresh fruit production in Ghazni in 2024. According to them, over one million tons of fruit — including apples, grapes, and plums — were harvested in the province this year, showing a 15% increase compared to last year.