Margalla News | October 10, 2026
Khost — Pine nut traders in southeastern Afghanistan say production in Khost, Paktia and Paktika has improved this year compared with last year. However, producers face problems related to export routes and limited facilities for cleaning, shelling and packaging the nuts.
According to an October 10 report by Pajhwok Afghan News, local traders want exports to reach more than one major market and processing centres to be established within Afghanistan. A spokesperson for the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce said approximately 7,500 tonnes of pine nuts worth a combined $95 million were exported last year to China and markets in Europe and Arab countries.
The total volume of this year's crop has not yet been finalised. Better export facilities, quality checks and investment in local packaging could improve growers' income, but actual results will become clear later.