In brief
A four‑day agriculture and livestock exhibition opened in Kabul on Wednesday. The Ministry aimed to empower farmers and livestock breeders, improve market access, reduce import dependence and attract investment. The event, part of a broader trade initiative, drew participants from across the country and follows a mining exhibition that opened earlier in the week.
The Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock opened a four‑day agriculture and livestock exhibition on Wednesday in Kabul. The event, intended for farmers and livestock breeders, was designed to improve access to markets, cut dependence on imports and boost domestic production. The expo also seeks to expand Afghanistan’s export reach and encourage stronger links among producers and the private sector, the Ministry said.
During the opening ceremony, Minister Mawlawi Ataullah Omari highlighted the country’s natural and human assets, noting abundant water resources, fertile soil, a favorable climate and significant human capital. He described the exposition as a pivotal platform for showcasing sector achievements, identifying existing capacities and forging deeper ties between investors, traders and local producers.
Farmer groups, livestock breeders and entrepreneurs from all provinces travelled to the capital, setting up booths that display dairy products, meat, poultry, hay, pomegranates and other agricultural goods. The showcases were meant to provide a one‑stop venue for producers to demonstrate quality, negotiate prices and secure contracts with buyers in a single location.
The Exhibition—scheduled to run for four days—was part of a series of trade initiatives currently being organized in Kabul. Earlier in the week, a first‑time mining exhibition opened in the capital, featuring more than 140 booths where companies displayed precious and semi‑precious stones such as emeralds, rubies and lapis lazuli. The Ministry’s agenda was to coordinate the livestock and agriculture event with the mining fair as a broader strategy to boost Afghanistan’s export markets.
Minister Omari further explained that the event was not simply an industry trade show, but a tool to drive inclusive development. By emphasising the linkages between the public sector and the private sector, the Ministry hopes to create a more resilient supply chain that can bring higher incomes to farmers and stakeholders alike. The event was expected to showcase technological advances in livestock breeding and crop production, with the aim of elevating Afghanistan’s agricultural practices to international standards.
In a statement accompanying the opening, the Ministry added that the exhibition would provide a platform for producers to talk directly with local traders and investors, adding that this dialogue would help them secure favorable trade deals. The primary goal, the Ministry emphasized, was to reduce the import gap while achieving a more robust domestic supply chain for food and animal products.
Representatives from several provinces also announced that the showcase would include technical demonstrations such as soil analysis, irrigation techniques and veterinary training, which were meant to provide farmers with actionable knowledge that can be applied back home. These sessions were scheduled to run alongside the exhibition and provide real‑time resources for attendees.
The Ministry’s plan is to enhance the role of agriculture in Afghanistan’s economy—a sector that employs a large share of the population. By building stronger networks between producers and private investors, officials hope to lift incomes and foster economic growth. The event was also designed to attract foreign buyers, giving them direct access to Afghan products and creating more export opportunities for the country.
While the exhibition was firmly rooted in Afghanistan’s domestic policy objectives, officials noted that the event was tailored to showcase Afghan products to potential international partners as well. The Ministry’s broader strategy is to take advantage of the country’s natural resources, encouraging investment and bringing the agricultural and livestock sector into the global market.
Beyond the organisational aspects, the Ministry’s emphasis on coordination among producers was intended to improve transparency and accountability in the supply chain. By formally connecting local communities with investors and traders, the government aims to provide a safer environment for farmers and their families, further demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development in the country.
