RASC News Agency: Farmers in Herat report a significant increase in watermelon and melon yields, but prices remain low, and markets are sluggish. They attribute weak domestic sales to economic challenges and lack the capacity to export their produce. These farmers note a considerable rise in melon and watermelon yields compared to previous years. However, the absence of cold storage facilities and export options forces them to sell their products at minimal prices. Despite the low prices, market demand remains weak.
Some farmers say they reluctantly allocated parts of their land to melon and watermelon cultivation. However, due to the lack of a proper market, they are compelled to sell their products at low prices. They explain, “We can’t dedicate all our land to wheat or rice. We planted melons and watermelons, hoping that with the abundant rainfall this year, the markets would improve. Now, the fruits are ripe, but we have to sell them cheaply to prevent spoilage.” Herat farmers emphasize that despite the increase in yields, they cannot cover their cultivation costs. Watermelons sell for 15 to 20 kabuli rupees per 7 kg in the fields and 25 to 30 kabuli rupees in the markets.
They lament that without cold storage and export opportunities, they are forced to sell their produce at very low prices, which barely covers their cultivation expenses. Agricultural experts in Herat argue that the lack of attention to agriculture and the continuous losses faced by farmers are discouraging people from pursuing this profession. They suggest that establishing cold storage facilities could support farmers in the current conditions.
It is noteworthy that Afghanistani farmers annually complain about the lack of markets and the declining purchasing power of people during the harvest season. Recently, the Pakistani government has doubled the customs tariffs on Afghanistan fruits, exacerbating the situation.
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, unemployment, poverty, and hardship have increased, leaving the people in despair.
