Agri expo opens in Kabul to boost Afghan economy

Taliban-led government highlights economic development and growing ties with Uzbekistan at Kabul exhibition

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — A four-day national exhibition aimed at promoting Afghanistan’s agricultural, livestock, and domestic industries opened Thursday at the Badam Bagh Research Farm in the capital Kabul. 

Organized by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, the event reflects the Taliban-led government’s focus on economic revival through self-reliance and regional cooperation.

According to local media outlet Tolo News, the exhibition—titled “Supporting agriculture and livestock guarantees your health and economic growth”—showcases a wide array of products, including horticultural goods, saffron, handicrafts, solar devices, irrigation equipment, and processed foods. 

A total of 263 booths have been installed, with 56 specifically featuring women’s handicrafts.

Officials say the exhibition is designed to foster economic growth, support domestic industries, encourage consumption of local goods, and strengthen the agricultural and livestock sectors. 

It also aims to connect farmers with traders and expand access to local and regional markets.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Acting Agriculture Minister Maulvi Attaullah Omari stated that 75 percent of Afghanistan’s population depends on agriculture and livestock. 

He praised the quality of Afghan products and said the Islamic Emirate leadership had instructed ministries to initiate projects with strong economic potential.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Maulvi Sadri Azam Usmani emphasized the importance of building links between producers and buyers, adding that the ministry was actively seeking viable markets for Afghan agricultural goods.

Mullah Agha Jan Akhund, Deputy Finance Minister, acknowledged that decades of war had damaged Afghanistan’s agricultural infrastructure, but said the current administration was committed to rebuilding the sector. 

He noted that the government had purchased wheat worth 1 billion Afghanis ($13.9 million) from farmers this year to strengthen national reserves.

In a show of regional cooperation, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Abduzhakrov Jamshid, announced that bilateral economic ties had grown from $400 million in 2022 to $500 million in 2024. 

He reiterated Uzbekistan’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s agricultural development.

Participants at the exhibition expressed optimism and urged the government to help them access international markets. 

Mohibullah, an industrialist from Nangarhar, said such events were vital and should also be held abroad to promote Afghan products globally.

Saleha, a woman entrepreneur from Balkh, showcased her handicrafts and echoed the call for greater export opportunities, especially for women-led businesses.

The Ministry of Agriculture said it remains committed to supporting producers throughout the supply chain—from production to market access—as part of its broader national development strategy.