Dried fruit traders in Takhar say exports from the province have declined significantly.

According to them, major challenges include lack of a viable domestic market, inadequate storage facilities, and halted exports.

Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, dried mulberries, dried apricots, plums, cherries, and sour cherries are among the dried fruits produced in Takhar. While they meet local demands, they are also exported to other provinces and abroad. However, some types of dried fruit now have neither export nor domestic markets.

Misbahuddin, a dried fruit trader in Takhar, told TOLOnews: “The level of sales did not meet my expectations. I don’t know the reason — perhaps the closure of Pakistan’s routes or something else.”

Samiullah, another local trader, said: “Fruits like walnuts, dried apricots, and cherries weren’t exported from Takhar. We bought them, but now they're left with us.”

Some dried fruits purchased for export are rotting due to lack of proper storage or transport options. Sellers urge the caretaker government to facilitate exports.

Sami, a dried fruit seller in Takhar, said: “We don’t have cold storage or proper places to store our goods. If dried fruits sit for a year, they go bad.”

Meanwhile, the Takhar Department of Industry and Commerce acknowledged traders’ challenges and assured efforts to market these goods.

Suhail Yuldash, director of export development at the department, said: “Takhar is undoubtedly a key fruit-producing province. Production and orchards are growing here, but this year, compared to last, we’ve seen a drop in exports.”

According to traders, if export opportunities remain limited, their financial losses will be severe.