A four-day agriculture and livestock exhibition opened in the Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, with farmers, livestock breeders and local entrepreneurs from across the country displaying their products. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock said the event aims to empower farmers and livestock producers.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Agriculture Minister Mawlawi Ataullah Omari pointed to Afghanistan's natural and human advantages, including abundant water resources, fertile soil, a favourable climate and a large workforce. He called the exhibition an important platform to showcase the sector's achievements, identify existing capacity and forge stronger links between investors, traders, farmers and livestock producers.
According to a ministry statement, the event seeks to improve market access for agricultural and livestock goods, boost domestic production, reduce dependence on imports, expand exports and strengthen coordination between producers and the private sector.
The exhibition is part of a wider series of trade events in the capital. A week earlier, Afghanistan's first specialised mining exhibition opened in Kabul with more than 140 booths showcasing precious and semi-precious stones, including emeralds, rubies and lapis lazuli.