International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Fahimullah Wardak, Dr. Lokesha H, Dr. Mahin Sharif, Dr. MN Venkataramana and Khalandar S

abstract
Afghanistan’s horticultural sector has been growing steadily, and it play a significant role in the economy of the country. In 2019, fruit production in Afghanistan covered around 222 thousand hectares of arable land, representing almost (2.84%) of the total arable land area. Furthermore, the county presently produces approximately 1.5 million tonnes of fresh fruits annually. Wardak province was the highest apple producing province in Afghanistan as compared to another province. Wardak had the highest share in area under apple production with 29.05 percent while the production share was with 29.31 percent during 2007–2013; however, the share in area and production decreased from 2014–2019, which witnessed negative (-4.94%) and (-1.37%), respectively. However, the province observed a positive change in productivity (0.4%). The production of apple was 54,769 tonnes which accounted (9.71%) exported from Afghanistan during 2007, more ever in the year 2019 production increased to 2,50,324 tonnes, however percentage of export decreased to (9.33%). The percentage share of Afghanistan's apple exports to the world market ranges from almost negligible to (0.02%) between 2012 to 2020. The majority of Afghanistan's apples are exported to Pakistan and India. Exports of apples from Afghanistan to Pakistan in terms of value declined from (97.71%) in 2008 to (85.00%) in 2020. India shares import in term of quantity increased from 154.30 tonnes in 2008 to 1,379.79 tonnes in 2020, and in term of values increased from (2.00%) in 2008 to (9.00%) in 2020.