Herat produces more grapes this year

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Grape yield has increased in western Herat province this year as a result of timely rains and a regular water supply from Salma dam, an official said on Saturday.

Local officials estimate this year Herat’s grape production could soar to 150,000 tonnes from last year’s yield of 130,000 tonnes.

Agriculture Director Pir Mohammad Halimi told Pajhwok Afghan News that this year’s grape yield would be higher than the previous year.

“Some types of grapes have been harvested while other varieties will be harvested later. He said 40% of grapes harvest will be served in Afghanistan while the remaining 60% would be converted to raisin and exported to the foreign nations.

Niaz Mohammad, a grower from Guzra district was satisfied with the surge in grape yield, expecting a better income while many others face economic problems.

In the meantime, provincial officials and experts voiced concerns because of a lack of markets for the produce and closure of air corridors.

Bashir Ahmadi Bahaduri, head of chambers of commerce, confirmed the grape yield was higher in 2022, but there were problems in exporting them.

Farmers dried grapes into raisin, Bahaduri said, adding the chamber of commerce was working with the Agriculture Department to promote raisin exports via air corridors.

Bashir Ahmad, an agriculture expert, said 1,500 grape-drying rooms had been built which helped convert them into raisins for export.

Herat is famous for its 100 types of grapes that are grown in Guzra, Injil, Pashtoon Zarghoon, Zinda Janand and other districts.

aw/nh/mud

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