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FARAH, Afghanistan - Farah Provincial Governor Rahool Amin, provincial government officials and representatives from United States Agency for International Development participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Farah Wholesale Market in Farah, Afghanistan, Sept. 27.
The market, a joint Government Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and USAID project, will cover 2,880 sq. meters, accommodate up to 80 traders and will facilitate the sale of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables throughout Afghanistan.
The new market will provide adequate space for trucks carrying farm goods and will decrease traffic congestion which exists at the current wholesale market.
“This project will help not only traders but Farah Province as a whole,” said Pamela Fessenden, USAID Team Leader, Office of Agriculture, “We hope it will demonstrate the potential of the government at the district and provincial level.”
Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah and dozens of local farmers were also in attendance, supporting both the provincial government and the future of farming in Farah.
Farah Province generates approximately $25 million in revenue from the wholesale market which includes prominent fruits and vegetables such as pomegranates, watermelons, potatoes, onions and cucumbers.
USAID estimates an 8-10% annual increase in produce movement and volume as a result of the new market and its ability to hold more traders and goods. Additionally, the larger facility will allow trucks up to 75 feet long to access the docks to load and unload farming goods.
The estimated completion date of December 2010 will occur at an opportune time, in preparation for watermelon season during the spring. During a single day, approximately 150 40-foot trucks, export watermelons to various locations throughout Afghanistan. The ability to utilize bigger trucks in larger quantities creates the potential for increased revenues.
Gov. Amin stated that most people living in Farah province are farmers and that GIRoA and organizations such as USAID should strive to increase the overall quality and effectiveness of farming. Training and agricultural projects continue to be a high priority for Gov. Amin, citing the need to support farmers and traders alike.
It is projected that nearly $2 million will be invested in the new wholesale market, making it the single largest agricultural investment in Farah Province.
The future prospects of exporting produce from Farah to the international community seems imminent to Gov. Amin, saying that Pakistan and India could soon see Farah-grown fruits and vegetables which would eventually make the Farah Wholesale market an international competitor.
| Date Taken: | 09.27.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.01.2010 23:57 |
| Story ID: | 57356 |
| Location: | FARAH, AF |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 8 |
This work, Farah Governor, USAID celebrate groundbreaking of Wholesale Market, by SrA Rylan Albright, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
