Ghazni Exports 13,000 Tonnes of Dried Fruit in Current Solar Year

GHNAZI, Afghanistan (Afghan Verified) -- Approximately 13,000 metric tonnes of dried fruit have been exported from Ghazni province during the current solar year, according to Ahmad Shah Lali, director of export development at the provincial Department of Commerce and Industry.

The shipments, which included almonds, raisins and apricots, went to Tajikistan, Turkey, India, Iran, the United States and several Arab countries. Lali said Ghazni's dried fruit enjoys a strong reputation in international markets due to its high quality and noted that exports have generated millions of dollars in profit for local traders. He added that an exact figure is difficult to determine because the province lacks customs offices and most exports are handled directly by businesspeople.

Efforts are underway to provide additional support to traders to increase exports further, Lali said.

Traders highlighted ongoing challenges. Anaar Gul, a dried fruit trader, said exports have increased this year but poor standardized packaging and a weak transport system prevent the fruit from reaching markets in optimal condition. He called for government-established processing and packaging centers to allow exports under local brands.

Mujib Jalalzi, another trader, said most dried fruit is sent in non-standard sacks and cartons to neighboring countries, leading to rapid spoilage and reduced value. He urged development of industrial parks, marketing facilities and a proper export system to multiply exports.

Economic analyst Mohammad Asif Ahmadi said Ghazni's dried fruit is well-known regionally and internationally for its quality. With improvements in processing, packaging and market access, he added, the sector could boost the national economy and create jobs.

Ghazni is among Afghanistan's provinces renowned for high-quality almonds, raisins, apricots and other dried fruits popular domestically and abroad.