Afghan farmers in Kandahar are turning their surplus grapes into raisins due to border closures that have cut off fruit exports to Pakistan. The harvest this year is abundant, but the region’s producers face a severe economic challenge as fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan disrupts trade. The conflict has left hundreds dead and severed access to their primary market, forcing farmers to seek alternative methods to preserve their crops.
The situation highlights the growing impact of the border tensions on local livelihoods. With sporadic gunfire along the mountainous border, the flow of goods has been severely restricted. Some farmers report that the lack of access to Pakistan has forced them to dry their grapes into raisins, a process that reduces their value but ensures the produce is not wasted.
The crisis underscores the broader instability affecting Afghanistan’s economy. While the focus remains on the military conflict, the consequences are felt in everyday life, particularly for agricultural communities. The UN has noted a sharp decline in female workforce participation, adding to the economic strain.
As the conflict continues, the long-term effects on trade and livelihoods remain uncertain. Farmers are adapting, but the challenges they face reflect the deepening crisis in the region.
