MEDA's work – and that of its clients – was represented at Afghanistan's third International Agricultural Fair, held at Badam Bagh Farm in Kabul Aug. 19-22.

Agriculture minister Obaidullah Ramin opened the fair, organized by his ministry with the cooperation of USAID, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA) and other organizations.

Agricultural and industrial products, machinery and agricultural medicines from Afghanistan and 60 different foreign companies were exhibited at over 200 booths. The exhibition is aimed at improving domestic products and encouraging farmers to become familiar with new farming methods. About 60 private sector representatives from countries including the US, Germany, Turkey, Tajikistan and India visited the exhibition.

MEDA Afghanistan's booth, at the main entrance, was designed with MEDA banners and pictures showcasing Through the Garden Gate (TTGG), a women’s horticulture project in Parwan province. It included actual produce from the five target crops harvested from the women’s farms. MEDA staff members were on hand to represent the project, which attracted many visitors all curiously asking about the project's activities with the women in the villages.

MEDA invited TTGG's six village facilitators and interested lead farmers to the fair (photo at right), giving them a chance to discuss the project with visitors, see other booths to compare their produce, and learn from the experiences of farmers from other provinces. The village facilitators noted that, if not for MEDA's project, they would not have the chance to be part of the fair. The women also got the chance to meet suppliers for seeds, fertilizers, irrigation kits, greenhouse and other small farming machineries.

Parinaz Hissami, MEDA’s business development officer (left), attended the investment conference sponsored by the Serena Hotel. The conference was organized to help growers and exporters find international markets for their produce. Producers discussed their business and the challenges they face in finding markets for their product. Parinaz explained MEDA’s work with the women farmers to the traders and producers at the conference, who were interested to learn that women are now involved in agri-business. Parinaz also learned there is high demand for dried fruit and vegetables in the international market, which TTGG's women farmers can tap into in the future.

The Ag Fair has given project staff, both MEDA and partner, the Afghan Women's Business Council (AWBC), more confidence in discussing the project and how it helps Afghan women, specifically in Parwan. Seeing others using more advanced technology in processing and packaging also gave them confidence that they can do the same in the future. The Ag Fair gave MEDA Afghanistan good exposure and visibility among government agencies, donors, NGOs – both local and international – and ordinary people who attended.

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