With Torkham Closed, Nangarhar Farmers Find New Profit in Central Asia

Afghanistan: Amid ongoing efforts to find alternative trade routes due to closures on trade passages with Pakistan, fresh vegetable traders in Nangarhar have begun exporting to Central Asian countries.

Officials from the Nangarhar Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Association say that currently, hundreds of tons of potatoes are being exported daily to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where they are sold at reasonable prices and bring in better profits.

Stanagul Sherzad, deputy head of the association, said: “Compared to the past, farmers now earn 10 to 12 Afghanis more for every 7 kilos, and prices have also increased. The produce is sold in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in their local currencies. Traders go wherever the profit is higher.”

The Nangarhar Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock says favorable weather and farmers’ efforts have led to an increase in potato production this year. It expects a harvest of more than 55,000 metric tons.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in 2024, the annual trade volume between Afghanistan and Pakistan was $2.461 billion. However, in 2025, this figure dropped to $1.766 billion, showing a 40% decline as estimated by the ministry.