Russian Trade Center in Afghanistan: Fruits and Vegetables to Supply Russia Amid Iran Export Halt

The Russian Commercial Center in Afghanistan stated that with Iran's halt on food exports, part of Russia's market needs for fruits and vegetables will be met through Afghanistan.

Tatar Inform reported on Friday, March 15, citing the center, that following Iran's announcement of an unlimited ban on food and agricultural exports, requests for imports from Afghanistan to Russia have increased.

Officials at the center said Iran is seeking to secure its domestic food security amid expanding military conflicts in the region, redirecting resources previously intended for Russian stores to government reserves.

Rustam Habibullin, head of the Russian Commercial Center in Afghanistan, said Russia has received numerous requests for agricultural imports from Afghanistan.

He added: "A 100-ton shipment of apples from Afghanistan was previously sent to Russia, and shipments of peppers, dried fruits, nuts, celery, squash, eggplant, citrus fruits, various berries, fresh vegetables, and melon products are being prepared."

Habibullin stated the goal is to fulfill Russia's market demand as much as possible to prevent consumers from facing food shortages.

Iran had been a major supplier of fruits and vegetables to the Russian market, but recent developments and Tehran's decision to stop food exports raise the possibility of shifting supply routes to Afghanistan.