KABUL, AFGHANISTAN- Refrigerated storage containers allow Afghan traders to ship quality fresh produce

 

Each year, Afghanistan produces more than 3.2 million metric tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, accounting for 42 percent of the country’s annual agricultural output. These are high-value products, but easily perishable if not stored correctly.  Largely due to the lack of refrigerated storage facilities, an estimated 20 to 30 percent of fresh produce loses its value through spoilage before it reaches the market.  Without refrigeration, Afghan farmers and traders are only able to store fresh produce for a limited time and must sell their goods during harvest time –-- when prices are seasonably low. 

 

Through its Rebuilding Agricultural Markets Program (RAMP), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is helping Afghan farmers and traders add and retain value to agricultural products by establishing a ‘cold chain’ network which effectively increases the shelf-life of fresh produce to ensure its quality is maintained.  Through a cost sharing mechanism, RAMP has worked with local farmer and trade associations to install a series of 48 refrigerated storage, packaging and transport facilities strategically installed in agriculturally productive regions of seven provinces - Balkh, Helmand, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar, Kunduz, and Parwan.  These facilities contribute to reducing spoilage rates of perishable products from their point of harvest until they reach their final market –- either domestic or abroad. 

 

Last week, RAMP staff completed installation of three refrigerated storage facilities at Kabul International Airport.  Two of the containers (110 cubic meters in capacity) will be used by the Customs House of the Ministry of Finance and Ariana Afghan Airlines to store fresh, perishable produce before export.  One of the containers (35 cubic meters in capacity) will be used by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Plant Protection and Quarantine Department to temporarily store imported livestock vaccines before they are distributed to rural veterinary clinics throughout the country.  USAID has contributed approximately $60,000 to the construction and installation of these facilities.   

 

On June 28, 2006, a dedication ceremony will be held at Kabul International Airport, during which HE Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Obaidullah Ramin, will give a brief speech recognizing USAID’s contributions to promoting agricultural exports in Afghanistan.  Also in attendance will be senior representatives from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport, Customs House, and Ariana Afghan Airlines.