HERAT, Afghanistan — Farmers in Herat say the absence of proper cold storage facilities and packaging centers has forced them to sell their seasonal produce at low prices, often below market value, leading to economic hardship and food waste.
“We could store spring crops that now sell for cheap, and bring them to market later when prices are better — if only we had cold storage,” said Abdul Malik, a local farmer.
Another grower, Razuddin, echoed the same concern: “For seasonal produce, cold storage is an urgent need. If we had that, the conditions would improve significantly.”
Farmers in Herat believe that standard cold storage units would not only prevent spoilage but also allow them to access regional export markets. Such infrastructure, they say, could enable better coordination between producers and traders, creating more value across the agricultural supply chain.
“We should be able to sell our products when the market is right — just like other countries,” said Suleiman, another farmer. “But to do that, we need cold storage.”
The issue is not unique to Herat. Across Afghanistan, farmers face similar challenges each harvest season, as they lack the means to store perishable goods. Many are left with little choice but to sell quickly at low prices or risk losing their entire crop.
Despite ongoing drought and worsening climate conditions, farmers say they remain committed to agriculture. However, they are urging the Taliban authorities and aid organizations to invest in infrastructure that would support long-term sustainability in the sector.
Without such support, they warn, Afghanistan’s fragile agricultural economy will continue to struggle under the weight of poor infrastructure and worsening environmental pressures.
