Afghanistan builds modern raisin farms to boost grape exports

$200,000 project aims to improve raisin quality, reduce waste, and raise farmer incomes through upgraded drying facilities

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Afghanistan has launched the construction of 30 modern raisin farms in the southern province of Ghazni, as part of broader efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and expand export capacity.

The initiative, fully funded by the Afghanistan National Re-Construction Coordination (ANRCC), will focus on three areas: Ghazni City, Deh Yak, and Andar districts.

According to Pajhwok Afghan News, the total investment amounts to $200,000 and aims to transform how grapes are dried and processed in one of the country’s key grape-growing regions.

Each farm structure will span 11 meters in length, five meters in width, and four meters in height, with the capacity to dry between 27 and 35 tons of grapes per cycle. 

Officials say these modern facilities will significantly improve the efficiency and quality of raisin production compared to traditional open-air methods.

“The goal is to produce raisins that meet international standards,” said Maulvi Mohammad Ismail Shakib, Ghazni’s Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. “This will help farmers increase their income and move toward self-sufficiency.”

The project is expected to be completed within three months and will be handed over to local farmers, who are central to the province’s agricultural economy. 

Ghazni is among Afghanistan’s largest producers of grapes and raisins, with its produce valued for its rich taste and vibrant color.

Farmers in the region have welcomed the development. 

A gardener from Hassanabad said the improved drying technology would help reduce post-harvest losses and enable higher-quality raisins, potentially boosting prices for fresh grapes in the local market.

He also urged the government and donor agencies to expand such agricultural initiatives.

With demand growing for Afghan raisins in both domestic and international markets, the project could mark a turning point in modernizing the country’s horticulture sector, offering long-term benefits to rural livelihoods and the national economy.