4 APRIL 2009 | KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

 

Afghanistan’s farmers frequently lack access to the agricultural supplies and equipment they need to grow bountiful crops and raise healthy livestock.  To provide these goods at an affordable price, USAID established a network of privately owned AgDepot rural farm stores that operate under the Durukshan Association through local Afghan entrepreneurs.

 

The stores sell high-quality seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and other agricultural supplies to farmers in rural areas.  They also offer training and services to help improve harvests and keep livestock healthy.  As of September 2008, 313 AgDepot stores were operating in 24 provinces throughout the country.  

 

The independent farm stores vary their stock and services to meet the needs of the local community.  In Kabul, a women-operated AgDepot recently opened, providing a safe place for female agricultural workers to buy supplies and discuss new technologies. 

 

In the east of Afghanistan, many stores have started to sell grape trellising posts, which improve the quality and yield of the high-value fruit.  Through AgDepots in the provinces of Kabul, Kapisa, and Parwan, USAID has provided hundreds of farmers with trellising posts at a discounted rate, and offered training on their use.

 

Grape growers are pleased with the improvements that trellises bring to their vineyards.  One satisfied AgDepot customer, Pachamir, has owned a large vineyard in Kabul Province since the 1970s.  Although the Taliban destroyed all of his grapevines during their rule, he has been able to re-cultivate successfully using products he purchased at his local AgDepot. 

 

“These trellising posts helped us increase our grape productivity, and they have helped improve our grape quality as well,” Pachamir said.  “We are very happy with our production level, and we very much appreciate the support we’ve been given through donor agencies.”