Agriculture and handicrafts expo begins in Samangan

AIBAK (Pajhwok): A two-day exposition on agriculture, horticulture and handicrafts started in northern Samangan province on Monday, officials said.

Different varieties of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, apples, melons, water melons, pear, peach, dried apricots, honey, pumpkin, mushroom, cabbage, potatoes, wheat, maize, bean, cotton seeds, sesame, pulses, pesticides and agricultural machineries have been put on display at the show in 20 stalls.

Dairy products such as butter, yogurt, curd, cheese, milk, milk-cream, different types of wool, handicrafts weaved by women such as carpet, mats, woolen mates and embroidery including wedding shawls were showcased.

“The aim of the exposition is to introduce agriculture products and handicrafts from different districts and the provincial capital,” Samangan agriculture director, Eng. Mohammad Aslam Dana, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Habibur Rahman, one of the stall owners, said the display of wedding shawls (locally called Set-i-Ghajri Arosan) reflected wedding tradition of Uzbeks and Tatars.

Rahman,  a resident of Roy Du Aab district, who has displayed his handicrafts at the expo, added that four stalls exclusively showcased embroideries, leather embroideries, bead weaving and other handicrafts.

“Women-made handicrafts are introduced to participants in order to find market for the products,” said Shakila Ahmadzai, chairperson of the businesswomen association.

myn/ma