Some sellers of fruits and vegetables expressed criticism over the blocking of Kabul gates in recent days, saying that the trucks loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables have become stranded and the produce is rotting.

The traders said that they have suffered financial losses. 

The trucks loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables have been stopped at all gates in Kabul as a major gathering of Islamic clerics was held in the capital city.  

“Due to the blockages, I have suffered financially. We brought onions from Farah and our trucks wait in Kabul. The sun is hot and it damages the onions,” said Iqbal, a trader. 

Meanwhile, the farmers also expressed frustration over a drop in their income.  

“It has been more than four days that the paths have been closed,” said Mohammad Sarwar, a farmer.  

The Afghanistan Chamber of Investment and Livestock (ACIL) confirmed that the blocking of the gates to Kabul has caused severe challenges for traders and market.  

“Unfortunately, we have seen this before-- whenever there was even just a special day they would block the paths, causing financial loss to the traders,” said Mirwais Hajizada, deputy of ACIL.

Due to a lack of cold storage, farmers need to bring their crops to the market as soon as possible to prevent them from being spoiled.