Herat Greenhouses Supply Nearly 90 Percent of Provincial Vegetable Demand

Herat Province now meets nearly 90 percent of its vegetable demand through local greenhouse farming, provincial officials reported. More than 4,000 standard greenhouses are currently active across the region, supplying fresh produce throughout various growing seasons.

Bashir Ahmad Ahmadi, Director of Agricultural Affairs at the Herat Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, stated that the expansion of greenhouse cultivation has significantly increased domestic output, reduced reliance on imported vegetables, and helped stabilize local market prices. He noted that the infrastructure has proven resilient across seasonal changes, allowing for consistent production.

A portion of these facilities were established by Afghan returnees from Iran, who applied agricultural techniques acquired abroad to set up operations in Herat. These farmers have requested additional institutional support to scale production and explore export opportunities.

Agriculture experts indicate that sustained investment and technical backing could expand greenhouse farming nationwide. They suggest that such growth would not only move Afghanistan toward vegetable self-sufficiency but also generate widespread employment in rural and agricultural sectors.

Provincial authorities have highlighted the sector’s role in strengthening local food security and reducing foreign currency outflows associated with agricultural imports. Officials continue to monitor production metrics and market supply to ensure long-term sustainability.