Press Release

AgFair Brings Afghanistan One Step Closer to Secure Future

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN  | Tuesday, May 01, 2007

AgFair’07, the first international agricultural trade show of its kind in post-war Afghanistan, attracted between 45 and 60 thousand people over two days (April 22-23). The fair catalyzed much needed investment in the agriculture sector, facilitated trade, and introduced new technologies to Afghanistan. AgFair was made possible with the support of the American people through USAID and organized in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock and the Afghan International Chamber of Commerce.

“We sold every piece of equipment we brought to AgFair and we made connections for additional work in Helmand and Mazar,” said Mark Henning of JDA, a US-based company selling two-wheel tractors for Afghan farms. JDA was one of the 150 participating exhibitors, alongside equipment manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, freight forwarders, and agricultural processors.

The improving business environment and the potential of the Afghan agricultural sector were also recognized by those who are most sensitive to commercial or other risks –investors. Dole Food International CEO David H. Murdock announced at AgFair’07 that the company is considering investing in a cashmere processing facility and plans on expanding commercial farming in Afghanistan by establishing a new 83-acre demonstration farm in Kabul. An Italian-Mongolian company combined exhibiting its products at the Fair with an initial fact-finding mission on the investment climate in Afghanistan.

A number of domestic investors were looking at technological improvements that would allow them to set up processing facilities to meet international market and quality demand. “It was great for business in Afghanistan”, said a participant in the AfghanMania online discussion forum.

The AgFair, which was funded by the U.S. Government, also offered practical assistance for thousands of Afghan farmers, most of whom live below the poverty line. Simple farming methods and inexpensive innovations that will increase farm gate prices were demonstrated together with more advanced technologies for a growing sector.  Drip irrigation, horticulture grown with plastic mulch, improved raisin drying equipment, and laser land leveling were all on show.

“It is as if a blind man enters and gets his sight. AgFair gives us information about new agricultural practices”, commented Obaidullah, a farmer from Qarabagh. Nasruddin, who lost most of his grapevines during the war and is now re-planting them, said, “We have Farmers’ Festivals in villages but AgFair is nothing like them. It is huge. It is well-organized. It is educational.”

And it is a universal truth that people protect what they value – despite the high profile and the crowds, the event passed off without incident. Haji Stana Gul, from the Eastern Region Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers Association, stood proudly in front of his stand and stated, "I am happy to be here because this is how we can improve our business. Security is not the problem in Afghanistan, the economy is."

Many Afghans are now calling for a follow-up to AgFair. “It is great to have it annually but I think that it will be best if we have AgFair twice a year”, said Obaidullah. Mohammad, a wood seller from Kabul, said: “I haven’t seen a fair like this before. I feel happy as I walk and see Afghan products. Next time I will rent a booth myself.” In response, the US with its Afghan partners are already planning a post-harvest AgFair in October 2007.

The Spring AgFair attracted major private commercial sponsors – Afghan Wireless Communications Company, Kabul Bank, Coca-Cola, Crystal Water, Alokozay Tea, Serena Hotel, the Intercontinental Hotel, and Tolo/Lemar – but in the light of the current success, hopes for attracting sponsors and exhibitors at the autumn event are soaring.

Last week’s AgFair has already become a date for the Afghan agricultural calendar and is heading towards sustainability. By supporting AgFair, the United States has helped Afghans to help themselves.