Afghanistan Exports 9,800 Tons of Dried Fruits to China

The Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment has announced the export of 9,800 tons of dried fruits from southern Afghanistan to China since the solar year 1402.

This quantity of dried fruits, valued at $5.825 million, has been exported from the southern region.

Abdul Baqi Bina, Deputy Head of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce, stated: “Unfortunately, for various reasons, our exports, which were 8,400 tons last year, have decreased to 1,400 tons this year. The use of sulfur is one of the main reasons for this decline.”

Saleh Mohammad Alokozai, a businessman from Kandahar, said about the exports: “We are ready to cooperate in the field of packaging, but the use of sulfur by farmers continues. The Ministry of Agriculture must resolve this issue; otherwise, the farmers themselves will suffer losses.”

According to officials from the chamber, the excessive use of sulfur during the drying process of dried fruits has caused a decline in raisin exports this year.

On the other hand, the Kandahar Directorate of Agriculture and Irrigation has reported efforts to enhance farmers’ capacity to naturally dry their fruits.

Emal Hakimi, an agricultural specialist at the Kandahar Directorate of Agriculture and Irrigation, said: “Some farmers use sulfur to change the color of their products, which has led to some of our commercial products being rejected abroad this year. We will take steps to prevent this issue.”

A Chinese businessman residing in Kandahar told that traditional methods of processing dried fruits should be replaced with modern technology.

Mohammad Omar Omari, a Chinese businessman in Kandahar, stated: “Food safety is a very serious issue in China. Food, fruits, and any goods imported to China are thoroughly inspected at customs and related departments. Here in Afghanistan, fruits are processed traditionally. I have discussed this issue with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to ensure this process is done using machines.”

Most raisins are exported from Kandahar and Zabul provinces to China, and the reduction in tariffs on Afghan goods has made Afghan traders more optimistic about increasing trade with this country.