War-torn Afghanistan exports pomegranate juice to USA

July 25, 2023 (MLN): In a remarkable turnaround, war-torn Afghanistan has exported pomegranate juice to the United States for the first time. Being the largest producer of pomegranates, the country's annual production of approximately 600,000 tons of pomegranates has opened new avenues to earn foreign exchange. 

Despite the challenges faced in the region, pomegranates are cultivated in 33 out of 34 provinces, with Kandahar, Helmand, Farah, Herat, and Balkh being the primary hubs of production.

This decentralized approach to farming has enabled the industry to thrive in various regions, fostering economic growth and stability in rural communities.

A report by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has highlighted that the soaring demand for pomegranate juice can fetch up to an impressive $4 per liter, significantly higher than the $0.5 per kilogram price tag for fresh pomegranates.

This shift in focus from exporting fresh produce to processed juice has opened up new opportunities for Afghan farmers to increase their revenue and create a more sustainable agricultural sector.

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