Russian Trader Plans to Export 5,000 Tons of Kandahar Pomegranates

A Russian trader has visited Kandahar and plans to export 5,000 tons of pomegranates to Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Japan, and South Korea.

Kaliov says Kandahar pomegranates are in high demand in international markets due to their unique taste, but the lack of standard packaging remains a major obstacle to exports.

Kaliov said: “This is my first visit to Kandahar, and I can see that its pomegranates are of high quality and free from chemicals. I plan to export up to 5,000 tons by land to Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and then to Japan and South Korea. This is a good opportunity, as Kandahar pomegranates are of high quality.”

Ahmad Javid, a pomegranate exporter in Kandahar, said: “Our traders face packaging problems, so we transport the pomegranates to Uzbekistan and package them there.”

Pomegranate growers and traders in Kandahar are calling for the reopening of trade routes and support for packaging that meets international market standards to expand exports.

Neda Mohammad, a pomegranate trader, said: “We face problems with packaging and urge the government and relevant officials to address this issue.”

Meanwhile, the head of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment says efforts are underway to facilitate the export of Kandahar pomegranates to international markets by land and air.

Abdul Ahad Sediqi, head of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “The Islamic Emirate has significantly reduced export costs, but some private companies treat our traders unfairly and do not fully cooperate with them.”

Previously, Kandahar pomegranates were exported to other countries through Pakistan. However, officials say traders have turned to alternative routes following the closure of border crossings with Pakistan.

According to officials, these alternative routes are helping expand Afghanistan’s fresh and dried fruit exports to international markets.