Construction of Milk Processing Factory Begins in Kabul

Aqrab 7: October 29, 2019

The construction of a big milk processing factory in Kabul’s Reshkhor, began by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL).

Nasir Ahmad Durrani, agriculture minister, in the foundation stone laying ceremony said, “The factory will be constructed as Ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) with the capacity of processing 80,000 liters of milk in 24 hours. Seven types of good-quality dairy, namely milk, yogurt, cheese, cream, butter, and dried curd will be produced in the factory.”

Mr. Durrani added, “The factory is estimated to cost some 3.3 million USD, funded by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). The project will be implemented by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).”

Upon the operation of the factory, the milk of livestock keepers will be collected from Parwan, Logar, and Kabul provinces and will be processed at the factory.

Durrani added, “Upon the operation of the factory, the imports of dairy products will be reduced (over 80 metric tons daily) and this will contribute to the economic growth as well.”

Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture show that, on average, 3,000 metric tons of beef and 1,952,000 tons of milk are produced and consumed annually in the country.

Still, with annual exports of cattle skins worth 8.56 million USD and dried curd worth over 200,000 USD, livestock holders have a major share in the total of 15 % of agricultural GDP.

The Minister of Agriculture called the start of the construction of the factory "another stride towards the growth, support and strengthening of livestock" that could help "reduce dairy imports and boost the national economy."