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Border closures slash Kandahar grape exports and grower income

8/19/2026

43 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Border closures from fighting with Pakistan halted grape exports, cutting income for Kandahar growers.
Raisins that sold for 1,000-1,200 afghanis per 7 kg now fetch 400-450 afghanis.
Exports fell from 44,225 tons worth $13.8 million in 2025 to 256 tons worth $100,000 in 2026.
Qudratullah Popal says his orchard’s labor fell from about 1,500 workers to roughly 15 this year.

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Story summary

Border closures from fighting with Pakistan halted grape exports, cutting income for Kandahar growers.
Raisins that sold for 1,000-1,200 afghanis per 7 kg now fetch 400-450 afghanis.
Exports fell from 44,225 tons worth $13.8 million in 2025 to 256 tons worth $100,000 in 2026.
Qudratullah Popal says his orchard’s labor fell from about 1,500 workers to roughly 15 this year.