National Horticultural Policy

The National Horticultural Policy is a national Policy aims to create a sustainable, comprehensive, productive and commercially valuable horticultural sector in the country. The Policy emphasizes the fundamental role of horticulture in an increase in agricultural production and food security in the country. In addition to food security, development of trade markets in Afghanistan and abroad, as well as improving the plants quality are considered as other fundamental priorities in rural development programs. The Policy is based on the following principles: The Government recognizes the fundamental role of horticulture in production increase, fertility, economic growth, and food security; the Government considers the importance of sustainable use of natural resources; the Government recognizes increases in horticultural production, rehabilitation of infrastructures, and market development as the long-term goals of horticulture sector. The main objectives of the Policy include: to make the horticulture sector a strong national identity for Afghanistan; to increase the capacity of horticultural sector; to increase the quantity and quality of horticultural products, including fruits, vegetables, medical plants, and ornamental plants; to promote the exportation of fruits and vegetables; to increase the share of horticultural products in gross national income. Horticulture is an important resource for creating new jobs in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas through planting, processing, and transportation of horticultural products. The Policy sets a target to reduce importation of fruits and vegetables from aboard which would be possible through enhancement of packaging, cooling systems, and transportation facilities in the country. The proper weather and environmental conditions, climate diversity, fertile and rich soil, and biodiversity are positive features which show the potential of horticulture development in the country. The scope of Policy includes all governmental and non-governmental horticultural activities in the country. The Policy does not cover the plant's safety issues. The main challenges which the Policy should meet, include: lack of high-quality vegetables varieties; lack of national standard system; lack of farmers’ knowledge on technical and managerial methods of horticulture; lack of comprehensive plans for development of irrigation systems; weakness in research and educational sector; lack of capital; lack of quality control system; absence of a brand for high-quality products; lack of knowledge and facilities necessary for exportation; limitations of international trade. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock is the authority responsible for implementation of this Policy. The Policy requires the increases in women and youth’s employment in the horticultural sector.