Watermelon production has increased by 50 percent in Farah province this year, investors said, adding that they face extortion on highways and lack of good market for the product.
Fruit Exporters Union said at least 100 trucks loaded with watermelon arrive in Kabul from Farah every day.
“Problems on highways is a big challenge for our business. Watermelon production has increased this year. We will have a good income if these problems are removed,” said Khuram Farahi, an investor in Farah.
They said watermelon prices are fair in the country’s markets but added that the fruit has not been exported abroad so far.
“The fruit is not exported to Pakistan due to many reasons. We hope to resume the exports,” said Nejat Haidari, head of the union.
“Watermelon production is good in Farah this year and the prices are also good, but we hope that we can export our products out of Afghanistan so that we can have good income from our business this year,” said Atta Mohammad Mohammadi, a fruit businessman.
This comes after Kabul residents said last week that prices of watermelon and other fruit have increased high in the city markets.