Closure of Attari border hits Afghan dry fruits supplies
Imports via Iran, the other important route, are difficult as many banks refuse to process payment from Iran.
The closure of the Attari-Wagah border will lead to a decline in imports of Afghan nuts, dry fruits and spices in the coming months and result in 15-20 per cent increase in prices, said importers.
"The prices of pistachio kernels have shot up by Rs 400 per kg to about Rs 2,600-2,700 per kg. They may increase further in the coming weeks," said Ravindra Mehta, founding director, the
Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFCI)
. "The pistachio used in ice creams comes from the US and Iran, while the one used in Indian sweets like barfi comes from Afghanistan due to its unique taste and aroma."
The supplies of Afghan dry fruits are likely to be severely impacted in the coming months. "Afghanistan's trade with India, valued at $500 per annum, will be severely affected. Most of Afghanistan's dry fruits are exported to India via Wagah border. Its closure will disrupt the supply chain," said Gunjan Jain, president, NDFCI.
Prices of almost all nuts and dry fruits are expected to go up.
"We will see a very tight supply chain situation resulting in unprecedented rise in prices of anjeer, munakka and other Afghan origin products," said Jain.
Munakka refers to special types of raisins used in biryanis and some other delicacies.
Jain said, "Raisin prices have already increased due to lower production in India. With the fall in import of munakka, raisin prices will go up further."
Prices of Indian raisins have increased 35 per cent over the past year as the 2024-25 raisin production is low due to adverse weather and more consumption of fresh grapes during Ramadan left less for converting them into raisins.
It comes at a time when globally there is an unprecedented increase in prices of pistachios, cashews and walnuts, said importers.
Almond prices have shot up 40 per cent since June last year owing to a decline in the crop in California and Australia. Pistachio prices are up 20 per cent during this period, a fallout of decreased crop in Iran and California.
Afghan traders may have to explore alternative routes like the Chabahar port of Iran, which comes with its own set of challenges including logistics and infrastructure, said traders and experts.
"I have not seen such a situation during my lifetime," said Kanwarjit Bajaj, president,
Indo-Afghan Chamber of Commerce
.
AIR ROUTE
The Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment held a meeting with Com Air and Ariana Airlines to explore the possibilities of opening the air route from Kabul to India for exporting dry fruits. The chamber has also initiated talks with the Chabahar port.
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