Abstract:
Pomegranates are one of the most important fruits in the Kandahar
province of Afghanistan, which is famous for its pomegranates around the world.
Pomegranates play a vital role in the socio-economic life of those who grow them.
This study empirically analyzed the value chain of pomegranate production in
Kandahar using primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected from
200 pomegranate growers in the Dand, Panjwai, and Daman districts of
Kandahar province. These growers were selected using a random sampling
method and the data was collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire.
The secondary data was collected from traders, local collectors, and exporters of
pomegranates involving 30 pomegranate selling companies. The value chain
analysis shows that from the main four chains of pomegranate production
(farmer, collector, trader, and exporter), the main actors are the exporters who
process pomegranate and add the greatest value by investing in marketing,
shipment, and warehousing and receive highest profit margin among the
stakeholders. Exporters of pomegranates to Europe earn an average of 66 Afghani
per kg. The next greatest beneficiaries are the growers or farmers who earn an
average of 23 AFN on each kg. Local collectors who buy pomegranates from
farmers earn the least, at an average of 13 AFN per kg over the costs of
processing and transportation.
