Flags of the U.S. and Afghanistan
USAID/Afghanistan: From the American People

Agriculture

Objective: Accelerating market-led growth in agriculture

Program Photo Gallery

Packing pomegranates in Kandahar

Photo: USAID

Packing pomegranates in Kandahar

baby chicks

Photo: USAID/ADP-E/DAI

23,000 chicks hatched in December, laying the foundation for a poultry industry revival in eastern Afghanistan.

Alkoni melons are carefully packaged for export.

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Alkoni melons are carefully packaged for export.

A farmer checks on his rows of vegetables in his greenhouse in Herat

Photo: CRS/Afghanistan

In Herat Province, farmer Mola Shah Gool earned $660 from his greenhouse last winter during a time period when he normally has no income.

farmers examine bunches of grapes

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Farmers from Zabul Province traveled to Kandahar City to learn new techniques in vine care, production, and post-harvest handling.

woman in field with sheep

Photo: Jeremy Foster RAMP/Afghanistan

After Fareba Miriam graduates from para-veterinarian training she will have the necessary skills to manage her own Veterinary Field Unit.

man sitting in field cutting wood

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

An Afghan farmer works in the olive fields of Nangarhar.

farmer with beard and hat sits on chair and describes training.

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Muhammad Sarwar, a farmer who benefited from USAID-supported training.

Photo of farmers examining vines

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Farmers from Zabul Province traveled to Kandahar City to learn new techniques in vine care, production, and post-harvest handling.

Photo of farmers in field

Photo: Photo: RAMP, AfghanistanSusan DeCamp

Local farmers from Kunduz working to de-silt the Char Dara irrigation system in Northeast Afghanistan.

Photo of farmer sitting in chair

Photo: Photo: USAID

Muhammad Sarwar, a farmer who benefited from USAID-supported training.

photo of rehabilitated AGS building

Photo: UNOPS

AFTER: A fully functioning Afghan Geological Survey complex will provide a framework for successful and controlled development of Afghanistan’s natural resources, forming an integral part of the country’s efforts for economic development.

photo of men with shovels digging canals

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

“Men would come every day to work and be happy to work because we are making our land better and we have a chance to begin again.” –A returned refugee

photo of farmer and child in field with produce

Photo: Matt Herrick

Nadir, a farmer in Baghram, says his irrigation has improved significantly in 2003, even at 6.5km from the Ghorband dams.

photo of man on tractor

Photo: Matt Herrick

Abdul Aquil, at the wheel of his tractor, brings crops to market on the Jaghatu to Rashidan road. "The road increases trade between the villages,” says Abdul.

farmer standing in onion field

Photo: Matt Herrick

Mohammed Shah, one of five area farmers invested in a shallow well in Logar, pauses to chat while harvesting onions.

photo of woman and child on street in front of garden

Photo: Matt Herrick

12-year-old Omid, standing among the lush garden hidden behind the mud walls of the family compound in the Charasiab district of Kabul.

photo of  man loading boxes with apples

Photo: Matt Herrick

The 20-year-old son of Habiabdul Habib, owner of the 10,000-tree Paghman orchard, loads wooden crates full with apples. After successive years of drought, the family experienced tremendous success in 2003. Their income rose by $15,629. The apricot crop increased by 16,880 kg.

photo of villagers planting pistachios

Photo: Photo Credit: Afghan Conservation Corps

Pistachio reforestation activities have created jobs for rural villagers. Communities are working together towards longer-term sustainable development.

men stand by boxes of vegetables

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Wholesalers supported through improved packaging

men standing by produce at trade show

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Trade promotion: a priority in ALP/E’s activities

Photo of men drying apricots

Photo: Sharif Usmani

Drying of export quality apricots, Wardak, July 2007.

Man threading string on carpet loom, with red carpet in background.

Photo: USAID/Julie Fossler

A carpet weaver sets up his loom at the USAID-sponsored National AgFair, held October 24-26 at Badam Bagh farm in Kabul. Businesses and associations exchanged ideas, formed partnerships, and celebrated Afghan handicrafts as well as agriculture.

Corn, grains, and seeds displayed on table.

Photo: USAID/Julie Fossler

Seeds and grains were on display at October's AgFair in Kabul, sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce, and USAID. This fair helped farmers find new dealers and distributors for their products and helped industry contacts gain access to the lucrative and growing Afghan market.

Girls in colorful costumes smile and wave.

Photo: USAID/Julie Fossler

Members of the Mobile Mini Circus for Children wait their turn to entertain thousands of AgFair visitors. 170,000 people visited the fair over three days - the largest peaceful gathering in Afghanistan in over 30 years.

packaged vegetables on display, with Pride of the Eastern Region logo

Photo: USAID/Julie Fossler

Pride of the Eastern Region-brand vegetables on display at AgFair. The USAID-sponsored cooperative based in Jalalabad strengthened their industry contacts and networked with thousands of attendees of the National AgFair, held in Kabul from October 24-26.

Two men sit by vegetable-covered table in AgFair booth.

Photo: USAID/Julie Fossler

Vendors from Pride of the Eastern Region-brand foods display vegetables at the USAID-sponsored National AgFair in October 2007. In addition to showcasing new trends and techniques in agriculture to increase crop yield and improve quality, AgFair aimed to further develop the agriculture value chain by connecting farmers, dealers, and distributors.

two boys eat ice cream, with crowds and a USAID logo in the background

Photo: USAID/Idrees Ilham

Two boys enjoy a late October treat at AgFair. In addition to the trade show, the USAID-sponsored National AgFair in Kabul was packed with performances by popular musicians, comedians, and the children's circus (and of course, ice cream!). This free event, dubbed "Afghanistan's Glastonbury" by The Independent, brought fun and enjoyment to a city often overshadowed by conflict.

crowds of people visit booths at AgFair

Photo: USAID/Idrees Ilham

170,000 people attended the recent USAID-sponsored AgFair in Kabul, which brought together farmers, private businesses, government officials, agriculture development programs, and association members to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and celebrate Afghan agriculture.

Training at the Kunar Directorate of Agriculture

Photo: USAID/ADP-E/DAI

Training at the Kunar Directorate of Agriculture for new text message system distribution market price information.

Greenhouse in Herat

Photo: USAID/ADP

80% of greenhouse plants survived the recent snow in Herat province.

Chili seedbeds at the Bolan Farm.

Photo: USAID/Chemonics

Chili seedbeds at the Bolan Farm.

Grains on display at the Badakhshan AgFair in 2007.

Photo: USAID/Afgahistan

Grains on display at the Badakhshan AgFair in 2007.

Minister Ramin and Administrator Fore shake hands.

Photo: USAID/Harry Edwards

Minister of Agriculture Obaidullah Ramin greets USAID Administrator Henrietta H. Fore at Badam Bagh Farm.

The Tagab River feeds canals for farmers.

Photo: Johannes Oosterkamp

The rehabilitated Karaste Canal channels water to low-lying farms and sloping and upland fields in Tagab District, spurring agricultural production in this cluster of villages along the Tagab River. In response, the provincial Department of Agriculture has put up an extension office to help farmers further increase their yield.

Pistachio saplings in Tagab District

Photo: Johannes Oosterkamp

Pistachio saplings at the Department of Agriculture farm in the Tagab District of Badakshan are grown and waiting to be distributed to farmers.

fruit on display at AgFair

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Fruit on display at a recent USAID-sponsored Agricultural Fair.

Afghan carrots

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Afghan-grown carrots on display at a recent AgFair.

tomatoes going to market

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Tomatoes on their way to the market. USAID's Agriculture and Alternative Development programs strengthen farm-to-market transportation.

Vendor at the 2008 Kabul AgFair

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

A vendor from the Pride of the Eastern Region displays his vegetables at the Kabul AgFair in August of 2008.

Governor Mangal speaks at the Helmand AgFair on August 10, 2008.

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Governor Mangal speaks at the Helmand AgFair on August 10, 2008.

slicing melons at the Kunduz AgFair

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

A vendor slices a melon at the Kunduz AgFair in June 2008. Kunduz is known throughout Afghanistan for its quality melons.

Traditional water pots line a wall in Kabul Afghanistan.

Photo: Daniel Wilkinson/State Department

Traditional water pots line a wall in Kabul Afghanistan.

breaking ground on a new veterinary clinic

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Ambassador Wood speaks with veterinarians on the grounds of the new Badakshan Veterinary Clinic.

Afghan melons on their way to markets in India.

Photo: USAID/ASAP

Afghan melons on their way to markets in India.

Afghanistan

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

A vendor from India demonstrates his pomegranate juicer at the Pomegranate Fair, November 2008.

Processed tomatoes on display at the Mazar AgFair, October 2008.

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Processed tomatoes on display at the Mazar AgFair, October 2008.

Pomegranates on display at the first World Pomegranate Fair, November 2008.

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Pomegranates on display at the first World Pomegranate Fair, November 2008.

A farmer and his horse.  Mazar AgFair, October 2008.

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

A farmer and his horse at the Mazar AgFair, October 2008.

New irrigation technology.

Photo: USAID/ASAP

The new irrigation technique was introduced to Afghan farmers at Badam Bagh farm in Kabul.

pomegranate growers speak

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

A pomegranate grower speaks with the press at the first World Pomegranate Fair, Kabul, November 2008.

Workers sorting pomegranate for export in Kandahar Province.

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Workers sorting pomegranate for export in Kandahar Province.

A government trainer demonstrates how to identify common livestock illnesses.

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

A government trainer demonstrates how to identify common livestock illnesses.

Local farmers bring their children to learn basic livestock management skills from government trainers.

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Local farmers bring their children to learn basic livestock management skills from government trainers.

Print this pageEmail this page

Agriculture

USAID’s agriculture program improves food security, increases agricultural productivity and rural employment, and improves family incomes and well-being.

FY02-06 Ag Spending: $237 M
FY07 Ag Budget: $67 M
(incl. supplemental request)

Accomplishments

Total Agricultural Output
  • USD $643 million total increase in agricultural production, services and industries

Agriculture Infrastructure Improvements

  • 580+ km of farm-to-market roads repaired
  • 5,000+ km of irrigation canals rehabilitated
  • Water supply increased to over 494,000 hectares of land

Livestock Productivity

  • 354,000+ chickens distributed (2003-2006)
  • 600+ veterinary field units provided over 31 million vaccinations and treatments to livestock and poultry
  • 28,000+ women trained in poultry management (2003-2006)
  • 28 million+ livestock vaccinated/treated

Rural Finance Systems

  • Estimated USD $5.6 million total loans disbursed
  • 28,000+ micro-finance loans disbursed: 75% of participants were women; $200 average loan
  • More than 500 women trained and provided with support to establish home-based businesses

Agro-Processing

  • 50+ cold storage facilities installed (4,000-metric ton (MT) storage) (As of Aug. 2007)
  • Vegetable dehydration plant established in Parwan: Produced 44 MT of dried vegetable; Exported 23 MT
  • Kunduz flour mill established: Produces 120 tons/day; Employs 60 workers

Product Quality Testing and Certification

  • Aflotoxin and microbiological test kits provided to Ministry of Commerce laboratories  

Ministry of Agriculture Support and Policy Reform

  • Revised legislation encourages private sector investment
  • Planning for rapid growth in jobs and income

Capacity Building & Agricultural Support Services

  • 1,000,000+ farmers served by extension services

Last updated January 5, 2009

Viewers: Word | Adobe (PDF)

Privacy Statement www.usaid.gov

USAID | Afghanistan
Great Masood Road | Kabul, Afghanistan
Tel 202.216.6288
KABULUSAIDINFORMATION@usaid.gov