Potato Prices Rise as Afghan Families Struggle
Rising potato prices and job losses are forcing many Afghan families to cut basic food from their meals, raising fears of a wider hunger crisis.
Key Highlights
- Potato prices have sharply increased across Afghanistan
- Many families can no longer afford basic meals
- Job losses and border closures are worsening the situation
- Over 17 million people need urgent food support
People in Afghanistan are facing growing trouble as food prices continue to rise. Potatoes, once a cheap and common food, are now out of reach for many families. At the same time, job opportunities remain low, making daily life harder.
Food Prices Climb Across Regions
Residents from different provinces say potato prices vary but remain high everywhere. In Kabul, one seer costs about 400 afghanis. Prices in Badakhshan and Takhar are between 350 and 400 afghanis. In Mazar-e-Sharif, it is around 300 afghanis, while in Herat it has reached 420 afghanis.
Even in Ghor, prices differ, with five kilograms costing between 170 and 250 afghanis. These rising costs are making it hard for families to manage even basic meals.
Families Cut Down on Food
Many people say they have already removed items like rice and meat from their meals. Now, potatoes are also disappearing from their plates. For low-income families, potatoes were often the main food.
A Kabul resident shared that she stopped buying potatoes due to high prices and chose cheaper vegetables instead. She said even people with income are struggling to prepare proper meals.
Others say potatoes now cost almost as much as meat, which makes them unaffordable for most households.
Also read: Potato Storage Diseases and Simple Prevention
Jobs and Supply Issues Add Pressure
Unemployment remains a major issue across the country. People say they do not have enough income to keep up with rising prices.
Some residents believe that border closures with Pakistan and ongoing regional tensions have affected supply, leading to price increases. Farmers also face problems such as lack of proper storage, which limits local supply.
Warnings of a Growing Hunger Crisis
The World Food Programme has warned that the situation is getting worse. According to the agency, about 17.4 million people in Afghanistan need urgent food help.
Child malnutrition is also rising, with millions of children expected to need treatment this year. Many residents fear that if prices continue to rise, hunger will spread further.
With prices still rising and jobs hard to find, many Afghan families are left with fewer food choices each day. If the situation does not improve, more people may face serious hunger in the coming months.
Image Credit: javier albuja on Unsplash
News source: 8am media
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