Announcement

Loan Helps Support the Licit Agriculture Sector in Hilmand

Farmers will receive assistance with growing paprika, establishing orchards, and introducing new agricultural technology on their farms.

Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan | Friday, July 31, 2009

On July 22, the Afghanistan Rural Finance Company (ARFC) approved a $200,000 loan to an Afghan company in Hilmand Province. The company assists Hilmand farmers with growing paprika, establishing orchards, and introducing new agricultural technology on their farms.

USAID established ARFC to create commercial opportunities for agricultural and other rural enterprises in Afghanistan. Hilmand, which is a major producer of illicit drugs, is one of the most insecure and unstable provinces in Afghanistan. Access to credit provides alternative livelihood opportunities to poppy growers and will have a positive impact on the overall security and stability of the region. As of June 2009, over $1 million has been disbursed in Hilmand. Eighty-six percent of this amount has directly funded farmers and agro-enterprises.

USAID/Afghanistan Bi-weekly Highlights: 7/1/2009-7/31/2009 7/31/2009

Learn more: Agriculture | Alternative Development | Economic Growth | About this activity

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