With Torkham Closed, Nangarhar Farmers Find New Profit in Central Asia

Amid ongoing efforts to find alternative trade routes due to closures on trade passages with Pakistan, fresh vegetable traders in Nangarhar have begun exporting to Central Asian countries.

Officials from the Nangarhar Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Association say that currently, hundreds of tons of potatoes are being exported daily to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where they are sold at reasonable prices and bring in better profits.

Stanagul Sherzad, deputy head of the association, said: “Compared to the past, farmers now earn 10 to 12 Afghanis more for every 7 kilos, and prices have also increased. The produce is sold in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in their local currencies. Traders go wherever the profit is higher.”

The Nangarhar Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock says favorable weather and farmers’ efforts have led to an increase in potato production this year. It expects a harvest of more than 55,000 metric tons.

Ajmal Subhani, spokesperson for the department, said: “This year, potatoes were planted on 4,100 hectares of land across 12 districts of Nangarhar, yielding 55,076.5 metric tons, a rise compared to last year. Market access issues have been resolved, and exports to foreign countries are ongoing.”

Meanwhile, traders and farmers say that if consistent export routes are secured and timely support is provided to address farmers’ needs, their crops can be sold at better prices and positively contribute to the country’s economic self-sufficiency.

Haseebullah, a trader in Nangarhar, said: “Nangarhar potatoes are being exported to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Even though the Torkham crossing has been closed, we’ve seen no problems in the market. In fact, the closure has led to better market conditions for us.”

Jan Agha, a local farmer, said: “We need assistance with seeds and fertilizers. Compared to previous years, our yields and prices are both better this year.”

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in 2024, the annual trade volume between Afghanistan and Pakistan was $2.461 billion. However, in 2025, this figure dropped to $1.766 billion, showing a 40% decline as estimated by the ministry.