Kandahar’s Pomegranates Reach Qatar for the First Time

Local officials say that Kandahar’s pomegranates are now being exported to Qatar for the first time. Recently, 20 tons of fresh pomegranates, worth $30,000 USD, were exported from the province to Qatar.

Sabghatullah Fayzi, a representative of the exporting company, said: “This is the first time we are exporting Kandahar pomegranates to Qatar. The shipment weighs 20 tons and is worth $30,000. We will continue working to expand Afghanistan’s exports to international markets.”

Officials also stated that aside from Qatar, over 22,000 tons of pomegranates have been exported this year to Asian and European countries.

Mohammad Hanif Haqmal, spokesman for Kandahar’s Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, said: “This year, our pomegranate exports reached 22,500 tons. The export process is progressing in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and with financial support from Afghan traders.”

Farmers in Kandahar see the international export of fresh fruit as a positive and profitable step.

Farmer Khairullah said: “We work hard in our pomegranate orchards, and the fact that our produce is now being exported to Qatar brings us joy.”

Another farmer, Saber Ahmad, said: “This is a very good development. It helps farmers 100%. Our traders should maintain good relations with other countries.”

There are 15,000 hectares of pomegranate orchards in Kandahar, producing approximately 274,000 tons of pomegranates annually.