Full Breakdown
Afghan Grape Farmers Turn to Raisins as Border Closures Halt Fruit Exports
8/19/2026, 10:56:21 PM
Border Closures Cripple Afghan Fruit Trade
Fighting along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border has led both sides to shut crossing points, cutting off the primary market for southern Afghanistan’s grape harvest. With the routes sealed, producers in Kandahar’s Zhari district can no longer ship fresh grapes to Pakistan, forcing them to seek domestic outlets. The loss of export channels has driven many growers to dry grapes into raisins, a lower-priced product that still struggles to fetch viable returns.
Economic Impact on Growers and Workers
Sakhi Jan, who runs an orchard in Zhari, says his household of ten now survives on the reduced income from raisins, which sell for 400-450 afghanis per 7 kg bundle—down from 1,000-1,200 afghanis a few months earlier. Haji Abdul Hai, a long-time exporter, describes the situation as “a disaster,” noting that border closures now persist far longer than the brief shutdowns of previous years. Labor demand has collapsed: Qudratullah Popal reports that his orchard’s workforce fell from roughly 1,500 workers last year to about 15 this season.
Export Volumes and Price Decline
Abdul Baqi Bina, deputy director of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment, notes that in 2025 the five southern provinces shipped 44,225 tons of grapes—worth $13.8 million—almost all (43,000 tons) to Pakistan. This year, exports have shrunk to 256 tons valued at $100,000. The domestic market is now saturated, pushing raisin prices to a third of their former level and leaving many growers unable to cover basic costs.
Official Statements & Responses
Islamabad has accused the Taliban-run Afghan government of sheltering militants responsible for cross-border attacks, a charge Kabul denies. Both governments have been urged by local producers, including Sakhi Jan, to reopen the crossings to alleviate the “great hardship” caused by the trade halt.
Verbatim Quote
- “When routes are blocked and trade halts, everyone’s livelihood is paralyzed, traders, laborers and orchard owners alike,” — Qudratullah Popal
