Hoping For A Sweeter Future: Kandahar's Impoverished Farmers Increase Raisin Exports
Afghanistan's Kandahar Province exported 10,000 tons of raisins last year, with many of the producers still employing traditional techniques. It's one of the few cash crops left in the country, which is currently experiencing both an economic and humanitarian crisis under the Taliban.
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Workers prepare grapes for raisin production in Kandahar on September 11.
The region, once famous for its pomegranates and grapes, has exported 10,000 tons of raisins worth $32 million from the cash-strapped, impoverished country, which is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis under the leadership of the Taliban, which took control in 2021.
The region, once famous for its pomegranates and grapes, has exported 10,000 tons of raisins worth $32 million from the cash-strapped, impoverished country, which is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis under the leadership of the Taliban, which took control in 2021.
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Afghan workers lay out grapes to dry.
Before the Soviet-Afghan War started in the late 1970s, Afghanistan accounted for 60 percent of the world raisin market. However, years of conflict have significantly reduced agricultural production. Today, Afghanistan faces a mix of food insecurity, climate change, a lack of international aid, and the absence of effective diplomatic engagement.
Before the Soviet-Afghan War started in the late 1970s, Afghanistan accounted for 60 percent of the world raisin market. However, years of conflict have significantly reduced agricultural production. Today, Afghanistan faces a mix of food insecurity, climate change, a lack of international aid, and the absence of effective diplomatic engagement.
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With the country on the brink of economic collapse, the export of its raisins is a rare positive sign for its impoverished people, who the UN has warned "are merely a step away from famine."
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Many of its people are still using a centuries-old traditional method called "abjosh," where after collection, the berries are dropped into boiling water for a few seconds in order to slightly crack the skin without damaging the inside of the fruit. The berries are then laid out to dry for up to seven days.
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Unlike other raisins dried in direct sunlight, this variety remains light in color, turns golden, and remains tender.
Agricultural officials say that raisin production in Afghanistan has doubled in recent years. A lack of professionally packaged boxes and cartons are hindering their ability to export more, however.
Agricultural officials say that raisin production in Afghanistan has doubled in recent years. A lack of professionally packaged boxes and cartons are hindering their ability to export more, however.
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Workers process grapes under the hot summer sun.
According to the World Food Program, 15.3 million people face acute food insecurity, and 2.8 million people face emergency levels of food insecurity. Acute malnutrition is above emergency thresholds in 25 out of 34 provinces in Afghanistan.
According to the World Food Program, 15.3 million people face acute food insecurity, and 2.8 million people face emergency levels of food insecurity. Acute malnutrition is above emergency thresholds in 25 out of 34 provinces in Afghanistan.
