Japan embassy on Monday in Kabul said the country will support Afghanistan with $9 million USD to improve Afghanistan agricultural production.
 
According to the embassy, the money will be invested in the establishment and reconstruction of two markets for fresh fruits and vegetables in Herat province.
 
The project, Improvement of the Agricultural Value Chain in Herat, will be implemented until March of 2019 in Injil district of Herat province.
 
“Japan has been cooperating intensely with Afghanistan in the area of agriculture, because it is a key industry for poverty reduction and reconstruction of Afghan economy and society. It is the main GDP contributor,” Kenji Enoshita, chard'affairs of Japan embassy said.
 
Mohammad Haider Reza, director of United Nations and officer for Project Services, said the project will be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Economy and Herat mayor’s office to improve residents’ livelihoods.
 
“The main objective of the project is to improve access to quality markets in Herat city in the Injil district,” he said.
 
In Herat, the high council of development welcomed the Japan’s funding of the project, said Ismail Rahimi, deputy minister of Ministry of Economy.
 
“This important project is the people of Herat’s longest-held wish and it will have a direct, positive effect on economic and agriculture and even on social and security situation,” said Naeem Bahir, Naeem Bahir, director for administration and finance from the office of the governor of Herat.
 
In addition to building and reconstruction of two markets for fresh fruits and vegetables, a cold room and a road of 6.5 Km will be built.
 
The project also will provide technical training for Herat farmers.