Kabul, Afghanistan — 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 grape producers face a crisis as fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan disrupts trade. The border, which has been a site of sporadic clashes for months, now blocks access to Pakistan, their primary market.
The conflict has left hundreds dead and disrupted economic activity. With no access to Pakistan, farmers are forced to find alternative uses for their crops. Raisins have become a temporary solution, though it is not a sustainable option for long-term income. The situation highlights the impact of regional tensions on local economies.
The ongoing instability has also affected other sectors, including employment. Recent reports show that the female workforce participation rate in Afghanistan has dropped to 5.1%, down from 16.5% in 2020. These challenges underscore the broader economic and social consequences of the conflict.
The situation remains critical, with no immediate resolution in sight. Farmers continue to struggle as they navigate the fallout from the border closures and the ongoing conflict.
