Project Description
This supply chain development project builds on the success of a previous IFC intervention in the horticulture sector in the country: Afghanistan Horticulture Exports Development, which helped more than 1,500 farmers to adopt best agriculture practices
for two major export commodities (raisins and pomegranates).
The project will target farmers located in remote locations to enhance the productivity and quality of their crops. There will be a particular focus on pomegranates, considering the special
characteristics of the crop in Afghanistan, and the high demand observed in export markets. The project will leverage the technical skills extension workers, including those built during the first horticulture project to train farmers. These farmers will
then
be integrated into the supply chain of exporting and fruit processing firms in Afghanistan. In parallel, these lead agribusiness firms will be supported in becoming compliant with, or maintaining, global standards required to access high-end markets
for these
products.
The project will be implemented over three and half years, starting April 2014.