Women’s Farm Service Center Opened in Kabul

Afghan Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock, Mohammad Asif Rahimi

Today, a Farm Service Center tailored specifically for Afghan women farmers was officially opened for business in Kabul. There are already 6 other Farm Service Centers in Afghanistan – all funded by the United States government. This particular one was setup to specifically meet the needs of Afghan women farmers.

According to a press release issued by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the “Farm Service Centers offer high quality products such as seed, fertilizer, animal feed, tools, machinery, and greenhouse supplies. In addition, the store functions as an outlet for other female head of household enterprises, such as jams, pickles, honey, and handicrafts”. The press release added that this new Farm Service Center will benefit “more than 10,000 Afghan women”. Also, according to the press release, “the seven Farm Service Centers in Afghanistan have created more than 235 jobs, trained more than 15,000 people, and achieved $24 million in sales from March 2008 to June 2010”.

“Farm Service Centers build value chains that are of enormous importance to participating famers and their families. From ensuring know-how and quality inputs, to strengthening co-operatives, to building links with businesses and markets, an FSC is a valuable resource that makes farmers and farm communities more prosperous,” Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock, Mohammad Asif Rahimi said.

August 16, 2010 · admin · No Comments
Posted in: Afghanistan's Economy, Job Creation, Reconstruction and Development, Women's Rights