AIBAK — A two-day exposition on agriculture, horticulture and handicrafts started in northern Samangan province on Monday, officials said. Different varieties of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, apples, melons, water melons, pear, peach, dried apricots, honey, pumpkin, mushroom, cabbage, potatoes, wheat, maize, bean, cotton seeds, sesame, pulses, pesticides and agricultural machineries have been put on display at the show in 20 stalls.

(Photo: courtesy of Pajhwok Afghan News)

Dairy products such as butter, yogurt, curd, cheese, milk, milk-cream, different types of wool, handicrafts weaved by women such as carpet, mats, woollen mates and embroidery including wedding shawls were showcased.

“The aim of the exposition is to introduce agriculture products and handicrafts from different districts and the provincial capital”, Samangan agriculture director, engineer Mohammad Aslam Dana, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Prior to decades of conflict, Afghanistan’s agricultural products earned a global reputation for excellence, particularly almonds, pomegranates, pistachios, raisins, and apricots. Unfortunately, decades of war and neglect devastated Afghanistan’s farmland, displaced millions of people, and largely destroyed the country’s existing infrastructure. Currently, 60% of Afghans rely on agriculture for their livelihoods and their family’s sustenance. The sector accounts for about 40% percent of Afghanistan’s GDP.

Habibur Rahman, one of the stall owners, said the display of wedding shawls (locally called Set-i-Ghajri Arosan) reflected wedding tradition of Uzbeks and Tatars.

Rahman, a resident of Roy Du Aab district, who has displayed his handicrafts at the expo, added that four stalls exclusively showcased embroideries, leather embroideries, bead weaving and other handicrafts.

“Women-made handicrafts are introduced to participants in order to find market for the products”, said Shakila Ahmadzai, chairperson of the businesswomen association.