HERAT, Afghanistan — Fruit and vegetable vendors in Herat say worsening economic conditions have drastically reduced customers’ purchasing power, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.
The lack of a viable market has also led to widespread spoilage of produce, forcing sellers to discard unsold fruits and vegetables, further compounding their losses.
“Business isn’t what it used to be,” said Mohammad Mokhtar, a vegetable vendor in Herat. “The high cost of produce is a major factor. Life is hard. Some days, we only make 200 to 300 Afghanis, barely enough to cover the cost of onions and potatoes. Right now, there’s no work.”
Izzatullah, a fruit vendor, echoed these concerns, noting the challenge of keeping perishable goods from going to waste. “If we buy fruit for 50 Afghanis a kilo, we have to sell it for 60, because it spoils so quickly,” he said.
Farmers feel the pinch
The struggles extend to Herat’s farmers, who cite high agricultural costs and inadequate market access as major obstacles. Ghulam Ghaws, a local farmer, lamented the lack of export opportunities.
“The market is in terrible shape. If our crops could be exported, things would improve. But right now, we can’t even cover the costs of water and fertilizer,” he said.
Farmers’ complaints come despite claims of international support. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently stated that the United States has invested $75 million in Afghanistan’s agricultural sector over the past three years.
Yet, the current reality in Herat underscores the enduring economic hardships faced by vendors and farmers. With insufficient infrastructure and limited market access, many in Afghanistan remain trapped in a cycle of poverty despite external aid efforts.
