Afghanistan produced over 1.3 million metric tons of watermelon this year, making it one of the country’s leading fruit crops, the Taliban-run Ministry of Agriculture said.
According to the ministry, farmers harvested approximately 1,322,827 tons of watermelon across 78,808 hectares of farmland during the current solar year, 1404. The highest yields came from the provinces of Farah, Balkh, Herat and Badghis.
Watermelon ranks second only to grapes in terms of fruit production in Afghanistan. The ministry credited improved agricultural techniques, the distribution of modified seeds, and support equipment for boosting both the volume and quality of this year’s harvest.
Despite the record output, farmers across the country have complained about limited market access, low prices, lack of cold storage facilities and competition from imported produce. Many are urging the Taliban to raise import tariffs on fruits — particularly watermelons from neighboring countries — and improve export infrastructure.
“We need access to cold storage and better transport routes to export our fruit,” one farmer said. “Otherwise, much of the harvest goes to waste.”
The ministry did not release comparative figures from last year’s watermelon crop.
Farmers growing other produce have echoed similar concerns in recent months, citing a lack of required support, inadequate storage facilities, and minimal export coordination as barriers to agricultural growth.
Agriculture remains a critical component of Afghanistan’s economy, employing a majority of the population and serving as a key source of income for rural communities.
