Kandahar Golden Raisin Producers Seek Access to International Markets

Golden raisin producers in Kandahar say the province’s well-known golden raisins were previously exported to India, but that route is now closed.

They say their products should be exported abroad through air corridors.

Bacha Mama, a farmer in Kandahar, said: “We are concerned about the closure of routes, which has caused the prices of our products to fall.”

Golden raisins, locally known as Abjosh raisins, are made from a grape variety called Aita. Farmers dip the grapes in a special solution before spreading them out on prepared grounds for seven days to produce golden raisins.

Mahmood, another farmer, said: “When the routes are open, the fruit market is also good, but now prices have fallen and the market is weak.”

The deputy head of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment says regional countries, particularly India, are important markets for the province’s Abjosh raisins.

Abdul Baqi Bina says efforts are underway to facilitate the export of this year’s Abjosh raisin production from Kandahar to other Asian countries in addition to India.

Abdul Baqi Bina, deputy head of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Abjosh raisins are unique to this region and are also known as golden raisins. They have a good market abroad. We hope export opportunities will be provided.”

Meanwhile, a group of Indian traders who have traveled to Kandahar to purchase dried fruit say they want to export Afghan dried fruit to New Delhi through alternative routes.

Anand, an Indian trader, said: “We have been here for three or four days buying dried fruit, and then we send it to New Delhi through other Asian countries. This is our trade with Afghanistan.”

Much of Kandahar’s fresh and dried fruit is exported to neighboring, Arab and European countries, but the recent increase in air freight costs has raised concerns among dried fruit traders.