Farah farmers seek market as grapes yield increased this year

FARAH CITY (Pajhwok): Some grapes orchard owners in western Farah province said this year grapes yield increased but there was no proper market where they could sell their yield and earn profit.

Zalmai Mohammadi, head Agricultural and Livestock Production Chamber, told Pajhwok Afgan News as a result of drought and lack of water, orchard owners are forced to sell their grapes to the market exact harvest time.

He added: “There is no water and there is a drought; “Growers have to sell grapes early and cheaply.”

Shadi Khan, a resident of Darabad village, told Pajhwok that this year’s grape yield is better, but because deteriorated economic situation people could not afford to buy grapes.

He says, the government should explore market for grapes outside the country and agreement about the export of grapes with foreign nations.

Khaled, a resident of Farah’s Balablok district, who now sells grapes in the market, said: “In the past one kilogram of grapes sold from 50 or 60 afs, but now we brought grapes and we sell one kilogram against 30 afs, but it still did not earned value and better market.”

Agriculture Director Maulvi Abdul Ghani Abid said grapes harvest in the province has surged this year compared to the past year.

He said that last year 14,052 tonnes of grapes produced in Farah while this year 149, 822 toones of grapes produced. He said efforts on to explore market or Farah groups outside the country.

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