Afghan farmers turn their grapes into raisins after border closures slash fruit exports to Pakistan
Summary
Fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan has closed border crossings, stopping Afghan grape farmers from selling fresh fruit in their main market. To cope, farmers in Kandahar province are drying grapes into raisins, but prices have dropped sharply, causing financial hardship.Key Facts
- The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been closed because of fighting and accusations of militant activity.
- Afghan grape producers cannot export fresh fruit to Pakistan, their main market.
- Farmers are drying grapes into raisins to sell within Afghanistan instead.
- Prices for raisins have fallen from about $13-$16 to $5-$6 for the same amount.
- The price drop hurts farmers like Sakhi Jan, who supports a large family.
- The Kandahar Chamber of Commerce says the closure also affects other fruit exports like pomegranates.
- Farmers call for the border to reopen to restore trade and ease economic difficulties.
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