First batch of Afghan potatoes from Bamyan arrives in Uzbekistan

The first batch of potatoes grown in Afghanistan's Bamyan province from seeds of the Uzbek Fontane variety has arrived in Uzbekistan, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan reported.

The project was launched in May 2024 at Uzbekistan's initiative. The plantings were placed on 17 hectares in the Shahidan and Faladi districts and in the central part of Bamyan province. The choice fell on the Fontane variety: it delivers high yields, is simple to cultivate and is suitable for export.

Uzbek specialists, together with Afghan farmers, planted the seed potatoes, tended the crops and brought in the harvest, and also regularly monitored the condition of the fields. The yield reached 40-45 tonnes per hectare. The Chamber noted the quality of the planting material and the favourable natural and climatic conditions of Bamyan. After harvesting, the potatoes were sorted, packed and sent to Uzbekistan.

In May, the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Davron Vakhabov, discussed the project with the governor of Bamyan, Kari Gul Khaydar Shafak. Uzbekistan proposed supplying Afghan farmers with seed potatoes in exchange for guaranteed purchases of part of the harvest. At that time annual production was estimated at a minimum of 50,000 tonnes, with a potential maximum of 300,000 tonnes.

In addition to potatoes, the sides discussed joint fruit growing, the construction of a fertiliser warehouse and the training of Afghan farmers. In July, a delegation from Tashkent held talks with representatives of Bamyan and Herat provinces on purchasing Afghan agricultural products to stabilise prices on the capital's markets, and on plans to open trading houses.