Afghanistan relies heavily on agriculture, which is a major employer in most of the country. Thus, developing the sector is key to stabilizing the struggling economy. The Kandahar province was renowned for its grapes, melons, and pomegranates, but conflict destroyed most of the orchards and gardens or made them inaccessible because of land mines. Today, IFC is focusing on raisins and pomegranates, which have been identified as having the most potential. IFC PEP-MENA's comprehensive advisory project is helping improve the techniques of local farmers and traders in every step, from cultivation to marketing.
Raisins
IFC's project introduced the latest drying techniques, drying houses known as kishmish khanas, from neighboring Iran, the world’s third-largest exporter of raisins. They are far more productive than those typically used in Afghanistan. Although only 100 farmers received the training, the reach was greater, because farmers came from neighboring villages to observe all sessions, from construction and use of the new kishmish khanas. The new techniques have allowed farmers to dry three times more raisins than previously, increasing production and income of local farmers.
The project also created links between farmers and traders, training 15 traders in modern methods of marketing. The final stage of the project, a trade mission to India, linked traders with their counterparts in India, facillitating exports.
Pomegranates
A comparable program benefited Kandahar’s pomegranate farmers and traders, improving growing and handling techniques and opening up new markets. In 2006, IFC helped the traders reach the Singapore market, where they received prices substantially better than those from their customary market in Pakistan.
Expansion
Plans to expand the program include a feasibility study for a pomegranate concentrate plant in Kandahar and the opening of new markets. They also include the expansion of the raisin program to include training of farmers and building of more kishmish khanas, as well as the extension of trading to the Middle Eastern and European markets.
