Photo: USAID
Packing pomegranates in Kandahar
Photo: USAID/ADP-E/DAI
23,000 chicks hatched in December, laying the foundation for a poultry industry revival in eastern Afghanistan.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Alkoni melons are carefully packaged for export.
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.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Farmers from Zabul Province traveled to Kandahar City to learn new techniques in vine care, production, and post-harvest handling.
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.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
An Afghan farmer works in the olive fields of Nangarhar.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Muhammad Sarwar, a farmer who benefited from USAID-supported training.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Farmers from Zabul Province traveled to Kandahar City to learn new techniques in vine care, production, and post-harvest handling.
Photo: Photo: RAMP, AfghanistanSusan DeCamp
Local farmers from Kunduz working to de-silt the Char Dara irrigation system in Northeast Afghanistan.
Photo: Photo: USAID
Muhammad Sarwar, a farmer who benefited from USAID-supported training.
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: 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: Matt Herrick
Nadir, a farmer in Baghram, says his irrigation has improved significantly in 2003, even at 6.5km from the Ghorband dams.
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.
Photo: Matt Herrick
Mohammed Shah, one of five area farmers invested in a shallow well in Logar, pauses to chat while harvesting onions.
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: 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: Photo Credit: Afghan Conservation Corps
Pistachio reforestation activities have created jobs for rural villagers. Communities are working together towards longer-term sustainable development.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Wholesalers supported through improved packaging
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Trade promotion: a priority in ALP/E’s activities
Photo: Sharif Usmani
Drying of export quality apricots, Wardak, July 2007.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
At the Mazari Sharif International AgFair, an Afghan woman demonstrates her carpet weaving skills. USAID supports carpet weaving training and carpet branding programs to help women carpet weavers improve their craft and sales opportunities.
Photo: USAID/ADP-E/DAI
Training at the Kunar Directorate of Agriculture for new text message system distribution market price information.
Photo: USAID/ADP
80% of greenhouse plants survived the recent snow in Herat province.
Photo: USAID/Chemonics
Chili seedbeds at the Bolan Farm.
Photo: USAID/Afgahistan
Grains on display at the Badakhshan AgFair in 2007.
Photo: USAID/Harry Edwards
Minister of Agriculture Obaidullah Ramin greets USAID Administrator Henrietta H. Fore at Badam Bagh Farm.
Photo: USAID/Julie Fossler
On April 22, 2009, Band-e-Amir - a series of six lakes in Bamyan Province - was declared Afghanistan's first national park.
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.
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.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Fruit on display at a recent USAID-sponsored Agricultural Fair.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Afghan-grown carrots on display at a recent AgFair.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Tomatoes on their way to the market. USAID's Agriculture and Alternative Development programs strengthen farm-to-market transportation.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
A vendor from the Pride of the Eastern Region displays his vegetables at the Kabul AgFair in August of 2008.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Governor Mangal speaks at the Helmand AgFair on August 10, 2008.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
A vendor slices a melon at the Kunduz AgFair in June 2008. Kunduz is known throughout Afghanistan for its quality melons.
Photo: Daniel Wilkinson/State Department
Traditional water pots line a wall in Kabul Afghanistan.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Ambassador Wood speaks with veterinarians on the grounds of the new Badakshan Veterinary Clinic.
Photo: USAID/ASAP
Afghan melons on their way to markets in India.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
A vendor from India demonstrates his pomegranate juicer at the Pomegranate Fair, November 2008.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Processed tomatoes on display at the Mazar AgFair, October 2008.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
A farmer smiles after sowing his field with high-yield seeds in northern Afghanistan.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Pomegranates on display at the first World Pomegranate Fair, November 2008.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
A farmer and his horse at the Mazar AgFair, October 2008.
Photo: USAID/ASAP
The new irrigation technique was introduced to Afghan farmers at Badam Bagh farm in Kabul.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
A pomegranate grower speaks with the press at the first World Pomegranate Fair, Kabul, November 2008.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
A customer purchases high-quality cauliflower seeds at the Laghman Farm Store, which provides agriculture supplies and services to support key licit crops and animal health.
Photo: USAID/David DeVoss
USAID's veterinary clinics helped this herdsman maintain a healthy flock of goats in Badakhshan.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Workers sorting pomegranates for export in Kandahar Province.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
A government trainer demonstrates how to identify common livestock illnesses.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Local farmers bring their children to learn basic livestock management skills from government trainers.
Photo: USAID/ASAP
A USAID-built cellar in Badakhshan Province.
Photo: USAID/ASAP
A customer inspects spinach grown at the Badam Bagh Demonstration Farm in Kabul.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Customers examine farm supplies at the Kabul Women’s Farm Store, which provides agricultural supplies and services to support key licit crops and animal health.
Photo: USAID/AVIPA
A widowed farmer casts high-yield seeds on her field in Jawzjan Province.
Photo: USAID/ADP/E
Cauliflower produced and sold under the brand Pride of the Eastern Region.
Photo: USAID/AVIPA
Haji Kamal received high-quality seeds to increase his crop yield.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Director Nasrullah Bakhtani of MAIL’s Monitoring and Evaluation Division reports his group’s findings.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Women spin cashmere thread at the Mazari Sharif International AgFair and Cashmere Exhibition, which took place March 12-13, 2009.
Photo: USAID/Afghanistan
Women spin cashmere thread at the Mazari Sharif AgFair and Cashmere Exhibition.
Photo: USAID/PEACE
In Bamyan, Kuchi and Hazara leaders discuss a long-standing land access dispute after training in peaceful negotiation techniques.
Photo: USAID/ASAP
The AgDepot Farm Store in Mir Bacha Kot, Kabul Province, sells modern farming supplies, such as grape trellises, to improve local crops.
Photo: USAID/Julie Fossler
At the 2009 Kabul International Fresh Fruit and Vegetable AgFair, an attendee inspects a display of Afghanistan’s fresh produce.
Photo: USAID/Sarah Siegel
At Band-e-Amir in Bamyan Province, officials including U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, Vice President Karim Khalili, Bamyan Governor Habiba Sarobi, and NEPA Director-General Prince Mostapha Zaher cut the ribbon to dedicate Afghanistan's first national park.
Photo: USAID/Sarah Siegel
Ambassador Eikenberry, Vice President Khalili, Governor Sarobi, and Prince Zaher cut the ribbon to dedicate Band-e-Amir.
Photo: USAID/Sarah Siegel
A pristine lake at Band-e-Amir National Park.
Photo: USAID/PEACE
Kuchi and Hazara leaders address land-access issues through peaceful negotiation.
Photo: Wildlife Conservation Society
The ibex is now one of Afghanistan’s protected species.
Photo: USAID/AWATT
Women in Parwan dry apricots and onions in locally made solar dryers.
Photo: USAID/ASAP
Workers sort and pack cherries at Badam Bagh Demonstration Farm in Kabul to prepare them for export to India and the UAE.
Photo: Wildlife Conservation Society
This snow leopard was photographed by a motion-sensing camera in the Wakhan Corridor of Badakhshan.
Photo: USAID/IDEA-NEW
Women prepare growing media at a women-owned and -managed vegetable greenhouse.
Photo: USAID/AVIPA
Farmers in Balkh Province rejoice in their bountiful wheat harvest. USAID provided farmers in Balkh and 13 other provinces with high-quality wheat seeds and fertilizer to increase crop yields and combat food insecurity.
Photo: USAID/ASMED
The Nangarhar Seed Producer and Wholesaler Association’s new seed storage facility in Jalalabad.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
Juicing begins at the USAID-funded Omaid Bahar Juice Concentrate Processing and Fresh Fruit Packaging Facility.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
Workers prepare fruit at the Omaid Bahar Juice Concentrate Processing and Fresh Fruit Packaging Facility.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Mohammad Asif Rahimi, Wardak Governor Hadim Fidai and Mustafa Sadiq, owner of the juice factory, examine apples from Wardak province during a tour of the Omaid Bahar facility.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
The Omaid Bahar Fruit Processing Company employs approximately 200 workers, many of whom are women.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
The Omaid Bahar Fruit Processing Company opened the first fruit processing and juicing facility in Afghanistan on October 15, 2009. The USAID-funded factory will produce juices from Afghan pomegranates, apples, melons, apricots, and peaches.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
Pomegranates are processed for juicing at the Omaid Bahar Fruit Processing Company's new factory.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
Fruit is inspected by workers at the Omaid Bahar factory. The factory provides jobs for approximately 200 Afghans.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Mohammad Asif Rahimi and other guests observe the juicing process at the new Omaid Bahar Juice Concentrate Processing and Fresh Fruit Packaging Facility in Kabul.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Asif Rahimi observes operations at the USAID-funded Omaid Bahar Fruit Processing Company. The company will purchase and process fruit from 50,000 Afghan farmers.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
A worker at the Omaid Bahar Fruit Processing Company shows the factory's modern facilities. The factory will produce juice from Afghan pomegranates, apples, melons, apricots, and peaches.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
The new Omaid Bahar Fruit Processing Company factory makes high-quality pomegranate juice for domestic consumption and export.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
Dan Mooney, chief of party of USAID's Accelerating Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP), pours fresh juice for the Italian Ambassador and other dignitaries.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
Minister Mohammad Asif Rahimi (center) explains the importance of the juice concentrate facility for Afghanistan’s stability.
Photo: Ian F. Carver, ASAP
The ribbon is cut to inaugurate the Omaid Bahar Fruit Processing Facility, which is the first juice concentrate factory in Afghanistan.
Photo: USAID/ASAP
Din Mohammad, a wheat farmer from the village of Sarasyab in Balkh, is grateful for USAID-funded wheat seed and fertilizer that enabled him to save surplus harvest for his family.
Photo: USAID/ASAP
The owner of Sodis Masood Co. Ltd inspects cashmere waiting to be packaged for export.
Photo: USAID/ASAP
Women in Kunduz Province learn how to use combs to harvest valuable cashmere from their goats.
Photo: USAID/ASAP
A farmer in Wardak inspects his apple crop. In early November 2009, USAID helped farmers in Wardak and Paktya export their apples to India for the first time.