Most of the potatoes cultivated from domestic sources are being exported abroad due to lack of storage facilities in Afghanistan during the cultivation season, the Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) said on Wednesday.

This forces Afghanistan to import potatoes from Iran and Pakistan during other seasons.

ACCI says one of the main reasons for the potato price hike is the border restrictions imposed by Pakistan.

“The lack of well-maintained stockpiles force us to export the potatoes and when potato season ends, we have to import it again. This also raises the prices,” said Seyam Pesarlai, spokesma to ACCI.

Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has said that it is planning to establish at least 600 potato stockpiles in the country in different provinces to meet the needs of the country during all seasons.

“We have established at least 660 stores for potatoes and onions this year, majority of the stores are built in Bamiyan and Parwan provinces,” said Lotfullah Rashid, spokesman to ministry of agriculture and irrigation.

Based on the statistics of ministry of agriculture and irrigation, Afghanistan has this year cultivated more than 400,000 tons of potatoes and onions. Currently the price of seven kilograms of potato in local market is around 250 AFs.

“Recently it was sold for 120 AFs, but since the closure of the routes, the prices have raised to 250 AFs to 280 AFs,” said Ahmad Sharif.

Residents in Kabul have accused the businessmen of exploiting border tensions and for hoarding potato stocks for higher prices.

“We have no option except the closure of our shops, prices are very high,” said potato seller Jaffar.

Residents have also asked the government to better manage the local markets to avoid price-hikes and hoarding.