Speech by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, at the 31th Autumn Agricultural Products Exhibition
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Honorable officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, respected Mujahideen, farmers, traders, investors, media representatives, and distinguished guests,
Peace and blessings be upon you.
It is a matter of great joy to participate today in this important exhibition of Afghanistan's agricultural and livestock products, organized through the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, with the aim of promoting domestic and international markets for these products.
Afghanistan is an agricultural country where more than half of the population is engaged, directly or indirectly, in the agriculture and livestock sector. Through this sector, they earn lawful livelihoods and contribute significantly to the national economy and the country's economic growth. Most importantly, they have created employment for themselves, reducing pressure on the government.
Afghanistan, with its fertile lands, clean water, and diverse climatic conditions, has vast potential in the agricultural sector. This allows for highly productive agricultural activities in various seasons, yielding excellent results in the cultivation of different products.
In this exhibition, Afghanistan's various agricultural and livestock products, which are internationally renowned, are being showcased. These include high-quality processed products from agriculture, horticulture, and livestock, fresh and dried fruits, saffron, medicinal plants, grains, saplings (both fruit-bearing and non-fruit-bearing), agricultural equipment, and other related products.
Such exhibitions can play a crucial role in creating and strengthening both domestic and international markets for our agricultural and livestock products. In doing so, we will be able to provide essential support to our products.
Fortunately, with the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, informal economic activities have significantly decreased across the country. The cultivation of poppies has been reduced to zero, and various alternative livelihood projects are currently being implemented.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is continuously striving to strengthen the agriculture and livestock sector by implementing appropriate policies to support domestic products and replace imports. Important programs related to the mechanization of agriculture, water management, and the standardization of irrigation systems have been introduced, and other essential facilities have been provided to farmers. This will make our local products competitive both domestically and internationally. As a result, not only will the lives of our hardworking farmers improve, but there will also be significant contributions to the economic growth and development of the country.
We need to ensure that our products reach regional and international markets. There is high demand for our products in global markets. However, this effort will only be successful if we further enhance the quality, packaging, processing, and value chains of our agricultural and livestock products. I call upon our respected farmers, livestock owners, traders, and investors to pay greater attention to the standardization of these products.
The Islamic Emirate is working to find alternative, stable markets for domestic agricultural and industrial products based on sound economic policies, free from the influence of shortsighted political tactics. Alhamdulillah, we are moving towards success in this endeavor.
Afghanistan has countless opportunities for investment in agriculture. Standardized processing, packaging, and exporting products in a quality manner are areas that require investment and attention.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan welcomes all forms of investment aimed at strengthening the value chains of agricultural and livestock products, and we are ready to cooperate in creating the necessary facilities to support these investments.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my gratitude to the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, and other stakeholders involved in organizing this important exhibition of agricultural products.
Thank you for your attention.
Peace and blessings be upon you.