Afghanistan’s expanding food processing sector reflects the country’s core strengths in dried fruits and nuts. Horticulture is a hallmark of Afghan agriculture. Raisins dominate this sector, as the largest economic horticultural crop in Afghanistan and its primary export commodity that once accounted for 60% of the world raisin market. Apricots and nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, are also commercially cultivated as major export products. Afghanistan’s fertile soil and mountainous climate allow farmers to grow some of the world’s most delicious dried fruits and nuts products. 

Historically, Afghanistan produced high quality dried fruits and nuts that were consistently exported to worldwide markets , including INDIA.  With a focus on improved quality at the production level, increased capacity for processing and targeted marketing in countries that will reward Afghan farmers and exporters for quality dried fruits and nuts, the sector can contribute significantly to high and rising incomes in Afghanistan.

EPCA is working with several dried fruits and nuts traders to assist them in establishing warehousing and wholesaling operations in India. This has included support in the formation of marketing consortia, and leading delegations to India to meet with potential joint venture partners, visit wholesale markets and retail chains, and gather important product price and consumer preference data.

The KABULIWALA HIND consortia are now working toward forward integrating into the Indian wholesale market to earn higher margins on their dried fruits and nuts products. Seeing the Afghan dried fruits and nuts product prices in India’s large retail chains has further inspired the traders to move into the Indian market.