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A Journey Through Time and Triumph

Stories of Afghan Pinenuts: A Journey Through Time and Triumph By Mahboobullah Gardezi The Forest's Gift: A Season of Hope In the heart of Afghanistan, the new pinenuts season brings more than just a harvest; it brings hope. This year, between 4,000MT to 6,000MT of pinenuts are expected to be harvested, with a market value nearing $100,000,000. But the true story lies in the delicate dance between quality and quantity that makes Afghan pinenuts so unique. Especially in the forests of Paktia, where the largest and finest pinenuts are found, the relationship between quality and quantity is a fascinating one: when the quality of pinenuts is high, the quantity is lower, and when the quality is lower, the quantity is higher. As the season progresses, the harvest starts strong but gradually dwindles, leaving farmers and their families waiting eagerly for the next opportunity. For many, this season is a chance to turn their fortunes around. The Lost Decades: From War to Renewal For 40 long years, the story of Afghan pinenuts was one of loss. During the civil war, these precious nuts were sold through Pakistan, often rebranded as Pakistani products. Farmers, desperate to survive, cut down trees to heat their homes, and vast stretches of pinenut forests were destroyed. But change was on the horizon. In recent years, with the involvement of the Afghan government, cutting down trees became a crime, and the forests slowly began to recover. Since 2021, new pinenut trees have been planted across Afghanistan, particularly in Loya Paktia, which includes the provinces of Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Logar, and Wardak. Farmers in these regions have come to see pinenuts not just as a crop, but as a lifeline. The Season of Farmers: A Historic Turnaround The year 2023 will forever be remembered as the "Season of Farmers." Named by the Rahim Gardezi Pinenuts Processing Factory, this season saw a revolution in pricing strategies that put farmers first. Raw pinenuts were exported at prices ranging from $15 to $31 per kilogram, marking a historic moment in Afghan agriculture. This was more than just a profitable season—it was a season of redemption. For years, farmers had faced the cruel games of brokers, seeing their investments vanish and their debts pile up. Families suffered, and tragedies unfolded. But in 2023, for the first time, farmers cleared their debts and earned a profit. The factory played a crucial role in this success, purchasing high-quality pinenuts directly from farmers’ homes and ensuring that their hard work was rewarded. Empowering the Future: Jobs and Education The Rahim Gardezi Pinenuts Processing Factory is not just about nuts; it's about people. During times of political crisis, the factory created over 200 jobs, including opportunities for more than 60 women. Today, over 250 families are supported by the factory, with a special focus on empowering women who are the primary earners in their households. But the factory’s vision goes beyond providing jobs. We've established guidelines to encourage these women to send their children to school, believing that education is the key to a brighter future. The factory is committed to growing Afghanistan’s economy from within—starting with the empowerment of women and their children. More Stories to Come The story of Afghan pinenuts is far from over. With each season comes new challenges, new successes, and new stories of resilience and triumph. As we move forward, I look forward to sharing more of these incredible journeys with you. Author: Mahboobullah Gardezi Date: 01.09.2024