In early November 2009, Afghan farmers made history with the first-ever export of their apples to India. Up to 75 metric tons of apples will be exported each week from Wardak and Paktya provinces until the end of December. The shipments were permitted after the approval of a key document detailing how the country’s apples will meet international standards. In partnership with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, USAID completed a pest risk analysis detailing methods to prevent infestations, which was approved by India’s Ministry of Agriculture.
The opening of the Indian market comes just as Afghan farmers harvest their apples. USAID, in partnership with the coalition forces, provided the farmers with training to improve the quality and quantity of the apples and to introduce proper sorting, grading, and packaging procedures. As a result of the partnership, farmers are also using cold storage facilities that allow them to wait for optimal prices before selling the fruit. “I’m expecting to sell our apples at a good price in India,” said Abdul Masood, a farmer who received training from USAID. “That, in turn, will encourage us to grow more apples, export them to India, and get more money, which can contribute to the local economy.”