The Economic Commission Approves Self-Sufficiency Policies and Plans in Key Economic Sectors

The regular meeting of the Economic Commission was held under the leadership of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund. The meeting took place today, May 7, 2025, at the Marmarin Palace.

In accordance with the agenda, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock presented a proposal for the construction of six agricultural, demonstration, and promotional complexes in the provinces of Herat, Helmand, Nangarhar, and Balkh. After comprehensive evaluation and with consideration of the Commission's recommendations, the proposal was approved. These complexes will be built on 4,479 jeribs of land and will provide farmers with quality services in modern and mechanized agriculture.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock also presented a self-sufficiency policy for the poultry sector, which was approved after thorough assessment. Afghanistan is currently nearing self-sufficiency in poultry meat and feed production. With the implementation of this policy, the country is expected to achieve self-sufficiency in egg production as well. Currently, around 14,000 poultry farms are active nationwide, directly employing 100,000 people and indirectly engaging 300,000 others.

Furthermore, a self-sufficiency policy for the dairy sector was submitted by the Ministry for discussion and was approved after detailed evaluation and taking into account the Commission’s recommendations. The implementation of this policy will lead to domestic production and processing of the country’s required dairy products and will contribute to the development of the livestock sector.

The Ministry also presented a self-sufficiency plan for the production of edible vegetable oils. This plan was approved following comprehensive discussions and consideration of the Commission’s recommendations. According to the plan, approximately 289,000 hectares of land in various provinces will be cultivated with cotton, soybeans, sesame, mustard, flaxseed, and sunflower. Implementation of the first phase of this plan is expected to meet 30% of the country’s demand for edible vegetable oils.

At the end of the meeting, reports on several follow-up issues were also presented and approved by the Economic Commission.

These decisions have been sent to the Office of the Esteemed Amir al-Mu’minin (May Allah protect him) for final approval.