KABUL, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has exported nearly 22,000 tons of pomegranates from the southern region of Kandahar so far this year, Provincial Director of Agriculture Aimal Hakimi said Sunday.
Last year, only 7,000 tons of pomegranates were exported from Kandahar, while so far this year, 21,870 tons of pomegranates have been exported, the official said, adding that the main markets for Kandahar's pomegranates are Malaysia, Russia, Pakistan and Uzbekistan this year.
Known by many Afghans as the "pomegranate hotbed," Kandahar is one of Afghanistan's leading pomegranate-producing provinces. According to the official, the surge in pomegranate exports has been attributed to increased orchard production, improved post-harvest handling, and stronger trade ties with foreign buyers.
Pomegranates are regarded as one of the main items of Afghanistan's exports, especially among fresh fruits, contributing around 35 million U.S. dollars annually to the national budget of the post-war nation.
Local authorities, according to the official, would continue supporting pomegranate growers and traders to sustain exports of the valuable fruit and increase annual earnings for local farmers. ■
