Press Release

Badakshan AgFair expected to draw over 15,000 attendees

USAID funds the 2nd annual Agricultural Fair (AgFair) in Badakhshan province.

Faizabad, Badakhshan | Tuesday, May 13, 2008

On May 27 and 28, 2008, thousands will converge on the restored National Olympic Committee Football Field in Faizabad for Badakhshan’s 2nd Agricultural Fair (AgFair) hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The event is expected to attract 15,000 visitors over two days. In this mountainous and remote province, the AgFair represents an exceptional chance for farmers to connect with agro-entrepreneurs and learn more about modern commercial farming techniques and machineries.

The two-day event will showcase the finest products from over 100 exhibitors including private businesses, traders, NGOs, and farmers' cooperatives from Badakshan and surrounding provinces. Notable exhibitors will include women-run food processing businesses, fruit drying enterprises, NGOs offering veterinary and agricultural advice, and vendors of products such as fertilizer and farm equipment.

Building on the success of the first Badakhshan AgFair held in October 2007, this AgFair aims to connect Afghan entrepreneurs with the business community; educate Afghan farmers and local communities on the latest agricultural techniques, technologies, and equipment; create a conducive environment to establish business contacts and relationships; and provide a marketplace environment where women, traders, and cooperatives can sell their local crafts, products, and agricultural produce. Fun competitions will be organized and “best in category” contests will be conducted to make the two-day family event a memorable affair for all visitors.

The official opening ceremony will be on May 27 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and will be restricted to invited guests and media only. Admission is free to the general public on May 27 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm and on May 28 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Learn more: Agriculture | Alternative Development

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