Animal husbandry in Afghanistan

Young boys with their herd in Zabul Province

Animal husbandry in Afghanistan is a traditional way of life, which exists in all 34 provinces of the country, and plays an important role in the nation's economy. The livestock in Afghanistan mainly include sheep, cattle, and goats. All of these produce red meat and dairy products for local consumption. Weddings, zakats and the annual Eid al-Adha boost the sale of these animals. As a totally Islamic country, pig farming and consumption of pork are simply nonexistent. The wool of the slaughtered sheep is used to make Afghan rugs, clothing, and other products.

After the completion of the major Qosh Tepa Canal and new dams, animal husbandry is likely to increase dramatically. Small number of people raise other animals in Afghanistan, such as camels, gazelles, horses, ostriches, turkeys, peacocks, ducks, rabbits, and pigeons.

Poultry farming is widespread in the warmer parts of the country. In 2022, there were over 10,000 poultry farms in the country. Some of the largest and modern ones are in the provinces of Balkh, Helmand, Kandahar, Khost and Nangarhar. Despite all of this, most chicken eggs in Afghanistan are still imported from neighboring Iran, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan. Large number of egg-laying chickens are also imported from Iran.

See also

• Economy of Afghanistan
• Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock

External links

• "Leather industrialists demand raw hides processing factories". Pajhwok Afghan News. 21 January 2023.
• "Animals skin made products face market stagnation". Pajhwok Afghan News. 6 January 2023.
• "Leather Industry 'Facing A Crisis'". TOLOnews. 31 May 2018.
• "Despite the odds, Afghanistan's leather industry thrives". Dawn News. September 10, 2014.