Initial results from growing the high-yield Fontan potato variety in Bamyan province, Afghanistan, have been assessed positively. The experimental plantings, covering a total area of 17 hectares, are being conducted as part of agricultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
The fields are located in the central districts of Bamyan: Shahidan, Foladi, and Central. The potatoes are intended for both export and industrial processing.
Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan inspected the harvest, evaluating the condition of the crops, the quality of the seed material, and the cultivation methods used. Practical consultations were also held with local specialists regarding ways to increase yields.
According to preliminary observations, the plants are developing well, and the expected yield is about 40–45 tons per hectare. It is reported that the Fontan variety is used for producing french fries and other processed products due to its high yield and good storage capacity. If this experimental project is successfully implemented, the parties plan to expand cooperation. The possibility of annual supplies of up to 300,000 tons of potatoes from Bamyan to Uzbekistan is being considered.
The province of Bamyan in Afghanistan is considering the possibility of supplying up to 300,000 tons of potatoes annually to Uzbekistan. A meeting was held in Kabul between a delegation from Uzbekistan and the Governor of Bamyan, Al-Haj Kari Gul Khaydar, where prospects for developing agricultural cooperation and expanding trade were discussed.
Participants in the negotiations included Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjayev, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Davron Vakhabov, as well as representatives from relevant ministries and agencies of both countries. The parties reviewed the economic and agricultural potential of Bamyan, as well as potential projects in agriculture and opportunities to increase bilateral trade.
Potato supplies became a central topic of discussion, as Bamyan is considered one of the main potato-growing regions in Afghanistan due to its mountainous climate. As part of an experimental project on an area of 17 hectares, 44 tons of high-yield seed potatoes of the Fontan variety were planted for export and industrial processing.
The Afghan delegation reported that the crops are developing well and a high yield is expected. The implementation of this project aims to increase productivity, introduce modern agricultural technologies, and further strengthen agricultural interaction between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
In the future, Bamyan is capable of supplying the Uzbek market with up to 300,000 tons of potatoes annually. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to activate direct contacts between entrepreneurs, increase mutual trade, and launch new joint agricultural projects.
