Women’s Farm Service Center Opened in Kabul

pahjwok news

A Farm Service Center tailored specifically to Afghan women farmers officially opened for business in Kabul in mid-August. While there are already 6 other Farm Service Centers in Afghanistan funded by the United States government, this particular one stands out as it was designed specifically to 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 will offer high quality products such as seed, fertilizer, animal feed, tools, machinery, and greenhouse supplies. In addition, the store will function as an outlet for other female head of household enterprises, such as jams, pickles, honey, and handicrafts. The new center will potentially benefit more than 10,000 women. Already, the seven existing Farm Service Centers 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,” said Afghanistan's Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock, Mohammad Asif Rahimi.