A study on the trade direction of fresh and dried figs : Export from Afghanistan

Abstract

Figs is one of the most important and delicious fruits. Afghanistan produces 24319 tonnes of figs during 2019 (FAO statistics). It is one of the important commodities in export basket of Afghanistan. The major export markets for figs are India, Pakistan USA, Canada and U Arab Emts.The present study aims to quantify the export performance and changing structure of figs exports from Afghanistan. Secondary data on area, production and country wise quantity exports of figs was collected from FAO statistics, and APEDA for a period of 10 years from 2010 to 2019. Compound annual growth rate was computed for studying the trend in area, production, yield, export quantity and export value for figs. Markov chain analysis was attempted to assess the direction of change in exports. Markov chain analysis results showed that, India is the stable market for Afghan figs and U Arab Emts are less stable markets. The major reasons are geographical advantage and good relations for India which gave competitive advantage over other countries with reference to fresh and dried figs export. India is the main country to import figs in the next five years. It shows high value in terms of quantity and percentage which is more than 90 per cent of all Afghanistan’s figs export.