Afghan Farmers Protest Pakistani Tariffs

On Monday, a number of farmers in Kabul held a protest, complaining about the lack of markets for their produce and the high tariffs imposed by Pakistan on fresh fruits and vegetables from Afghanistan.

The farmers at this gathering said that if the government does not pay attention to marketing their products, they will be forced to stop their work.

They called on officials in the interim government to take immediate steps to address this challenge.

Zulfiqar Qara Mazlumyar, one of the farmers, said: “The cost incurred by each farmer for one seer (7 kg) of cucumber is 55 to 60 afghani, but our sales price is 35 afghani, which is driving us all to despair.”

Gul Hassan, a vegetable trader, said: “Our elders met with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture to reduce taxes, and they said they would work on it, but it’s been about 15 days and there has been no news.”

On the other hand, some workers at cucumber farms in Kabul are concerned about the possible shutdown of these greenhouses. They said that due to the lack of a market, the owners of the greenhouses are facing many challenges and the likelihood of these greenhouses stopping operations is high.

Mohammad Nader, a worker, told TOLOnews: “We are very happy to have work opportunities here instead of going abroad, but recently the situation for farmers has not been good.”

Mohammad Ali, another worker, said: “The government or whoever it is should help the farmers because if they are supported, they will help us.”

Although the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has not commented on the increase in customs tariffs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock has pledged support for farmers, saying it will seek good markets for their products.

Misbahuddin Mustaeen, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, told TOLOnews: “The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock organizes exhibitions in the capital and provinces to market and sell agricultural products. Additionally, it facilitates the participation of Afghan investors in domestic and international exhibitions to ensure our domestic products reach both domestic and international markets.”

The lack of a suitable market and the emergence of new challenges during the fruit and vegetable season in Afghanistan have continuously drawn criticism from traders and farmers.