Effects of Peaches and Apricots Market on People’s Living Standards of Shakar Dara District of Kabul Province

Abstract

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s economy. Nearly 50% of the population generate income from agriculture, which accounts for 25% of the country's GDP (World Bank 2015). We learned there is little research on Afghanistan's fruits market system and agri-business. This study aims to analyze the market of peaches and apricots in the Shakar Dara district of Kabul province. No information about their origins in Afghanistan is available regarding the history of peaches (Prunus persica) and apricots (Prunus armeniaca). However, the country grows a wide variety of peaches and apricots. A total of 6 percent of Afghanistan’s farmers earn a living from apricots only; after grapes, almonds, and pistachios, apricots rank fourth in terms of perennial yields, thus making it one of the most important crops for the Afghanistan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL). Some 185 farmers have been questioned in the Shakar Dara district of Kabul province.

We learned that the farmers want to invest in the establishment of peach orchards in order to generate revenue. The soil and climate are very appropriate for peach production, thus making this crop one of their primary sources of income. The farmers of the Shakar Dara district are skilled in traditional farming practices and managing their orchards. The farmers have access to pesticides at both the local and provincial markets and use a variety of soil fertilizers. A key component of the district's irrigation system, the Shah Wa Aroos dam regulates flash floods.

Additionally, a substantial portion of water for the district's irrigation is supplied by the water reservoir. However, the canal system in the district can be further improved to support the district's irrigation system better. In terms of the application of contemporary technology, the district's residents continue to practice traditional farming, which results in a lower yield of fruits when considering the fertility and potential of the soil. Farmers must be equipped with training and awareness sessions for modern farming practices. Local labor is available for fruit packing and pruning. Fruits are transported to the provincial markets using the district's transportation infrastructure. Shakar Dara district is accessible by paved roads connecting most villages near the paved road with provincial/central markets. High-quality fertilizers and disease control practices enable them to produce high-quality products for international markets.