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Amid growing climate challenges facing Afghanistan's agricultural sector, olive cultivation in Nangarhar province is emerging as a sustainable and promising solution to combat drought and global warming. In the village of Sidan Arabi, farmers are harvesting olives from organic groves, where this crop represents a strategic alternative to traditional water-intensive staples like corn, rice, and wheat.
Agricultural expert Abdullah Orzala, who planted hundreds of trees on his family estate, notes that olive trees are among the most drought-resistant species, making them ideal for the Afghan environment where over half the population suffers from severe water scarcity. The olives are cold-pressed immediately after harvest using locally manufactured machinery to ensure high-quality extra virgin oil, which retails in Kabul markets for approximately $17 per kilogram.
Historically, Afghanistan's olive sector dates back to the 1960s, featuring varieties from Turkey, Egypt, and Azerbaijan. Despite the destruction of vast orchard areas due to successive conflicts, international and local efforts have revitalized the industry. In 2019, Italy contributed modern pressing equipment with a capacity of one ton per hour, while the Nangarhar Valley Development Authority currently oversees these operations.
According to government refinery data, production reached 135,000 liters last year, with expectations to rise this season to between 143,000 and 165,000 liters. Despite international isolation and banking restrictions, producers aim to reach global markets, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries.
Furthermore, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has established olive groves across 381 hectares to strengthen the resilience of rural households against climate change and provide lucrative alternative income opportunities, bolstering hopes for Afghanistan to become a regional player in the vegetable oils sector.
Source: France 24