Afghanistan's national farmer’s day, which coincides with the beginning of the solar new year, was recognized with a farming exhibition at the Badam Bagh area of Kabul on Monday, with many farmers, government officials, and visitors participating.
At least 286 Afghan companies, including 79 led by women, revealed their products at the event.
The turnout was much bigger than in previous years, despite the rain, with many visitors coming to enjoy the live music and other performances.
Saamia Hamasi, one of the visitors, said: “Despite the rain, and the bad security situation, a large number of people attended. We see the domestic products have increased from before. We are proud of this.”
“It was a nice festival, we danced the Atan very well, and enjoyed it,” said Ebrahim Jan, a member of an Atan (Afghan traditional dance) group.
Many companies that manufacture and process agricultural and farming products in various provinces participated in the event.
“Our honeybee farm is located in the Jaghuri district in Ghazni province. We have brought with us many types of honey, bee-flower extract, and honey-producing devices. In total there are more than 200 items,” said Mohammad Hussain Najafi, owner of a company that sells honey and bee-keeping products.
Asef Khan, who heads a dairy products company, said: “We produce eight hundred to one thousand kilograms of milk every day, and make salty cheese, sweet cheese, rice milk, cocoa milk, yogurt, cream, butter, and qorot (dehydrated plain yogurt combined with salt) from it.”
The participating Afghan companies hope to profit from the event and connect with new customers. Last year the expo was not held due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
“It is a kind of promotion for our products. Last year COVID-19 came and we could not reach our customers,” said Mariam Habib, one of the women investors.
The Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Anwar Ul Haq Ahadi, who participated in the event, said: “We expect the booth owners, who have exhibited their products in the expo, could sell more than 100 million afghanis worth of their products.”
The exhibition lasts for four days at the Badam Bagh area in Kabul, where every year the traditional festival takes place.