New Zealand funds potato grading and sorting machine in Afghanistan

A potato grading and sorting machine has been set up in Bamyan, which is the main supplier of potatoes to Afghanistan’s population.

Costing USD 700,000, the machine is funded by New Zealand’s government.

Bamyan potato farmers would supply 50% of Afghanistan’s demands in previous years;however, this year’s production is estimated to meet 60% of the demand.

Known for its unique quality and taste, potatoes from Bamyan are not only exported to other provinces but to Pakistan and Tajikistan as well.

Meanwhile, there are concerns about the intermittent power supply that impedes modernization process of agriculture in the province.

Owed to its high yield of potatoes, Bamyan can potentially establish chips factories;however, lack of regular power supply remains to be a challenge.

Source: Wadsam