Potato farmers in Bamyan province say that the lack of suitable markets and a shortage of standard cold storage facilities have caused a decline in the prices of their produce and increased their economic losses.
Bamyan, which supplies around 50 to 60 percent of Afghanistan’s potato needs, is considered an important source of income for thousands of families. Farmers say the absence of storage facilities forces them to sell their potatoes at low prices, while the main profits from price increases go to traders and middlemen.
Bamyan’s potatoes were previously exported not only to domestic markets but also to Pakistan and several other Asian countries. However, farmers are now concerned about shrinking markets and reduced support for the sector.
The province previously hosted an annual “Potato Flower Festival,” aimed at promoting Bamyan potatoes, finding new markets, and encouraging farmers. However, the event has now been discontinued, leaving only memories behind.
Farmers say that if domestic and international markets are expanded and standard cold storage facilities are established, many of their long-standing challenges will be addressed, and potato production will further improve.
According to available information, Bamyan produces more than 350,000 tonnes of potatoes annually, meeting a significant portion of Afghanistan’s demand for the crop.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
