Vineyards in the “Sari Sima” area of Chora District and several other parts of Uruzgan Province are once again contributing to domestic markets this year with the production of hundreds of tons of grapes.
Local growers say that this year’s harvest has been better than in previous years, both in terms of quantity and quality. However, they identify water scarcity as one of the main challenges facing grape orchards, noting that the problem becomes more severe during the summer season.
In Sari Sima, dozens of jeribs of land have been dedicated to grape cultivation, where various grape varieties are grown. According to farmers, the grapes produced in this area differ in color and taste, and in addition to fresh consumption, they are also used for producing juice and jam.
A number of traders are also active in the vineyards during the harvest season, employing local workers to collect and package the grapes.
The Taliban’s Department of Agriculture in Uruzgan says that approximately 202 hectares of land in Tarinkot, the provincial capital, and in districts across the province are devoted to vineyards. It is estimated that nearly 1,714 tons of grapes will be harvested from these orchards this year.
The department adds that it is coordinating with traders in various provinces, as well as with national and international businesspeople, to facilitate the sale and marketing of grape products.
Uruzgan is regarded as one of Afghanistan’s well-known grape-producing provinces, with part of its harvest transported to Kabul and other provinces of the country. Sari Sima in Chora District is considered one of the province’s key grape-producing areas, where around seven varieties of grapes, including “Black Grapes” and “Surkh-e Shambiri,” are cultivated.
Despite this year’s increased production, some growers say they continue to face marketing challenges and are calling for greater support from traders in purchasing and transporting grapes produced in the province.
Writer:Roya Stanikzai
