Afghanistan's farmers facing severe financial crisis due to closure of trade routes with Pakistan

Kabul (Web Desk): Afghan farmers are reportedly facing a deep financial crisis due to the continued closure of trade routes with Pakistan and policy measures introduced by the Taliban administration, resulting in fresh crops worth millions of rupees rotting before reaching the market.

According to reports, trucks carrying tomatoes, onions, fresh fruits, and vegetables intended for export to Pakistan have been stranded at border crossings for an extended period. As a result, local markets have seen a sudden drop in demand, causing prices to collapse sharply.

In many areas, perishable goods have begun to spoil due to delays and lack of buyers, leaving farmers with heavy losses. The disruption in cross-border trade has severely affected agricultural supply chains, particularly for seasonal produce dependent on Pakistani markets.

A video circulating on social media has further highlighted the worsening situation, showing a farmer describing the dramatic fall in prices. He claimed that before the border closure, a man (approximately 40 kg unit) of tomatoes was valued at around 12,000 Afghanis, but has now dropped to just 500 Afghanis due to the absence of buyers. The farmer expressed distress, saying that a year of hard work had been wasted.

The situation has sparked concern among agricultural communities, with growing calls for the restoration of trade routes to prevent further economic losses and stabilize prices in the region.