Afghanistan’s women farmers will have more access to seeds, supplies, and materials thanks to the opening of the Women’s Farm Service Center in Kabul on August 16.  The Kabul Women’s Farm Service Center is one of seven Farm Service Centers currently operating throughout Afghanistan, but the only one tailored specifically for women farmers.  These seven Centers are the foundation for opening a nationwide network of Farm Service Centers in all 34 provinces.  Benefitting more than 43,000 Afghan households, the seven Farm Service Centers in Afghanistan have created more than 235 jobs, trained more than 15,000 people, and achieved $24 million in sales from March 2008 to June 2010.

With a $3.5 million U.S. Government investment through USAID’s Afghanistan Farm Service Alliance program, this first women’s farm service center and will benefit more than 10,000 Afghan women.  The center will serve as the prototype for several women's Farm Service Centers to be located throughout Afghanistan.

All the U.S. Government-supported Farm Service Centers offer high quality products such as seed, fertilizer, animal feed, tools, machinery, and greenhouse supplies.  In addition, the store functions as an outlet for other female head of household enterprises, such as jams, pickles, honey, and handicrafts.  “The United States of America is proud to support this effort and especially to assist dedicated women who are working to support their families, feed their children, and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the economy of Afghanistan,” said U.S. Ambassador Karl W. Eikenberry at the opening ceremony.