Abstract:
Agriculture plays a pivotal role
in Afghanistan’s economy. Nearly 50% of the population lives
from agriculture, which accounts for 25% of the country's GDP
(World Bank 2015). We learned that there has been little
research on Afghanistan's fruits market system and
agri-business. This study aims to analyze the market system
of peaches and apricots in the Shakar Dara district of Kabul
province. No information about their origins in Afghanistan
is available regarding the history of apricots (Prunus
armeniaca) and peaches (Prunus persica). However, the country
grows a wide variety of peaches and apricots. A total of 6
percent of Afghanistan’s farmers earn a living from apricots
only; after grapes, almonds, and pistachios, apricots rank
fourth in terms of perennial yields, thus making it one of
the most important crops for the Afghanistan Ministry of
Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL). Some 185
farmers have been questioned in the Shakar Dara district of
Kabul province.
We learned that the farmers want to
invest in the establishment of peach orchards in order to
generate revenue. The soil and climate are very appropriate
for peach production, thus making this crop one of their
primary sources of income. The farmers of the Shakar Dara
district are skilled in traditional farming practices and
managing their orchards. The farmers have access to
pesticides at both the local and provincial markets and use a
variety of soil fertilizers. A key component of the
district's irrigation system, the Shah Wa Aroos dam regulates
flash floods.
Additionally, a substantial portion of
water for the district's irrigation is supplied by the water
reservoir. However, the canal system in the district can be
further improved to support the district's irrigation system
better. In terms of the application of contemporary
technology, the district's residents continue to practice
traditional farming, which results in a lower yield of fruits
when considering the fertility and potential of the soil.
Farmers must be equipped with training and awareness sessions
for modern farming practices. Local labor is available for
fruit packing and pruning. Fruits are transported to the
provincial markets using the district's transportation
infrastructure. Shakar Dara district is accessible by paved
roads connecting most villages near the paved road with
provincial/central markets. High-quality fertilizers and
disease control practices enable them to produce high-quality
products for international markets.
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