The Kabul Tribune (KT) — United Nations Development Programme in Afghanistan said that more than 20 entrepreneurs from Kandahar, Helmand, Badghis and Nangarhar showcased their products at the 34th Agricultural Exhibition in Kabul, with support from the European Union.
According to UNDP, many participants secured business contracts, expanded their market access and increased sales during the event.
The exhibition, held from April 22 to April 25, 2026, at Badam Bagh Research Farm in Kabul, brought together small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the theme “Modern Agriculture and Livestock as a Foundation for Food Security and Economic Growth.”
UNDP said the Afghanistan Community Resilience Programme (ACRP), funded by the European Union, supported 34 SMEs to participate in the exhibition, including 19 women-led businesses from Badghis, Helmand and Kandahar.
Participants showcased a range of products, including dry fruits, processed agricultural goods and handicrafts, offering alternative livelihoods for farmers affected by restrictions on poppy cultivation.
Fatima Akbari, head of a food processing company in Kandahar, said the exhibition provided a rare opportunity for women entrepreneurs to directly engage with customers and traders.
“Participating in the exhibition is very useful for marketing our products, especially for women in Kandahar, as we cannot easily access markets. Here, we can connect with customers, understand demand and establish contracts for nationwide distribution and export,” she said.
She added that attending the exhibition also had a positive psychological impact, as many women typically work indoors and have limited opportunities to travel.
A farmer from Qadis district in Badghis said that building connections with traders and accessing reliable markets has significantly improved opportunities for local farmers.
He said that support from organizations and shared experiences have helped improve product quality and expand market reach, adding that promoting local products could help reduce reliance on imports.
The ACRP program supports former poppy farmers through initiatives focused on sustainable livelihoods, water management, disaster risk reduction and monitoring of poppy cultivation. It also aims to enhance market access for small businesses, with a focus on increasing women’s participation in economic activities.
