Posted by DipNote Bloggers on Nov 25, 2009 - 04:26 PM
![Afghan and Indian officials hold apples, Kabul, Nov. 12, 2009. [Embassy Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_1124_apple_event_m.jpg)
During a large November 12 press event it was announced that for the first time Afghan farmers will export their world-renowned apples to the Indian market, a move that will dramatically expand Afghanistan’s agricultural exports and add to the prosperity of thousands of Afghan farmers.
The landmark agreement between Afghanistan and India will help Afghan farmers in Wardak and Gardez to export up to 3,000 metric tons of their produce.
Drought conditions have reduced India’s apple harvest, and exports from Afghanistan will help fill demand. Afghan farmers likely will receive more money for their apples in India than in neighboring Pakistan, despite the higher logistical costs involved in transporting the produce.
The export of the initial batch of the apples started last week. It is expected that an average 50 metric tons of Red Delicious apples will be exported from Wardak and Gardez to India each week. India requires Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) to ensure adequate measures have been taken against infestations. The PRA was a collaborative effort between the governments of Afghanistan and India. With the approval and support of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL), an implementing partner of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) performed the test and submitted the results to Indian officials.
The opening of the Indian market comes just in time for the Afghan apple harvest. Farmers in Gardez must sell their apples by mid-December before the first frost sets in. Wardak farmers will be able to store their apples for as long as six months in two, cold-storage facilities provided by the Turkish Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in the province.
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Patrick in Maryland writes:
Hi, Gentle Women & Men of our States Department and My Neti-Friend Hillary or :) LOL .
I live in a part of America that has people from all over the world, especially our friends from India, and i have found that most India people are very Nice and understanding people. So i think their working with our country and other countries is a plus,if they are anything like the people i have met we are lucky to have them as our Friends.
Also, Nice Apples :)
See..Ya... Guys & Girls ....:)
Posted on Tue Dec 01, 2009
Hi, Gentle Women & Men of our States Department and My Neti-Friend Hillary or :) LOL .
I live in a part of America that has people from all over the world, especially our friends from India, and i have found that most India people are very Nice and understanding people. So i think their working with our country and other countries is a plus,if they are anything like the people i have met we are lucky to have them as our Friends.
Also, Nice Apples :)
See..Ya... Guys & Girls ....:)
Posted on Tue Dec 01, 2009
John in Canada writes:
Everything being witnessed that adds to getting these people on their feet is outstanding...and a lot of work left to do...there's hope there.
Posted on Sat Nov 28, 2009
Everything being witnessed that adds to getting these people on their feet is outstanding...and a lot of work left to do...there's hope there.
Posted on Sat Nov 28, 2009
John in Wisconsin writes:
This is a small victory for Afghanistan Agriculture. But a very " Huge " 1st Step as they enter the " World Market Place ". Just imagine all of the future possibilities which lie ahead for Afghanistan. I reiterate...seemingly a small to most of us. But for those Farmers in Afghanistan..It's like a " Leap " to the moon.
Posted on Thu Nov 26, 2009
This is a small victory for Afghanistan Agriculture. But a very " Huge " 1st Step as they enter the " World Market Place ". Just imagine all of the future possibilities which lie ahead for Afghanistan. I reiterate...seemingly a small to most of us. But for those Farmers in Afghanistan..It's like a " Leap " to the moon.
Posted on Thu Nov 26, 2009
Emily in Ohio writes:
It is so great and heartwarming to see people from different countries assisting each other. Secretary Clinton: I hope you, President Clinton, and Chelsea have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. Keep up the good work, you're such an inspiration to me.
Posted on Wed Nov 25, 2009
It is so great and heartwarming to see people from different countries assisting each other. Secretary Clinton: I hope you, President Clinton, and Chelsea have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. Keep up the good work, you're such an inspiration to me.
Posted on Wed Nov 25, 2009
Ron in New York writes:
Apples and Emeralds:
Please be sure to keep colored stones from Afghanistan out of Pakistan. This illicit trade funds AQI and terror groups. Afghan control of mining should be transparent and accountable to Afghanis; not the private commodity of corrupt officials.
Posted on Wed Nov 25, 2009
Apples and Emeralds:
Please be sure to keep colored stones from Afghanistan out of Pakistan. This illicit trade funds AQI and terror groups. Afghan control of mining should be transparent and accountable to Afghanis; not the private commodity of corrupt officials.
Posted on Wed Nov 25, 2009
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