Grapes in Afghanistan

30 years ago, Afghanistan was known for the quality of its horticultural products. Now it is known for lots of things, but grapes is not one of them.
It should be!
The quality that can be achieved for fresh and dried grapes is as good as anywhere in the world. The dried Shindokhani grapes, a local variety that is claimed to be the origin of the Thompson Seedless, are about the best dried grapes I have ever tasted! As a fresh grape, they are spectacular also.
It is also interesting to note that those growers achieving good quality production are receiving prices better than Australian growers (or most other growers around the world!) Prices of around $3 per kilogram, ungraded, are being achieved. And the grower doesn't have to pay for harvesting or transprot to market. So that is $3 a kilogram on the vine!
So why are so many grape growers still doing it really tough? Lots of reasons, but the problem is production. Whilst prices are good, growing 2 to 3 kilograms per vine and having small acreage makes gross revenue insufficent to live sustainably.
Still, those growers who have been able to invest in new trellising, irrigation and better management are reaping the benefits. The challenge for the country is to get more growers into that category.
A number of projects are working on this issue, including the project I am involved with, as well as USAID projects, and NGO's, including Roots of Peace.
So, hopefully in the near future, Afghan raisins will once again take centre stage in high value world food markets!