Status of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cultivation in Afghanistan

Pomegranate is among the main exported fruits of Afghanistan that is exported to Pakistan, Russia and Arabic Countries. Most of the pomegranate growing areas in Afghanistan are situated between 700-1500 m above sea level, and it can be grown in such ranges commercially. In Afghanistan 48 cultivars of pomegranate are available. 20 cultivars are sweet, 17 cultivars medium sweet and 11 cultivars sour. Among all of them the seedless cultivar is very famous. The area of pomegranate orchards in Afghanistan is 2435 ha and the average yield is 9.5 t/ha. Generally Afghan pomegranate has 14-19% sugar content. Pomegranate is propagated by cuttings; the cuttings are taken at the end of winter and planted 20-30 days before the dormancy ends. Injuries to pomegranate due to low temperature are reported from Balkh province. Sun scald is one of the pomegranate problems in Afghanistan. Many growers prefer the multi trunk system wherever frost and sun scald are common features. Usually only one or two trunks are injured by these climatic factors. Single stem training is common in warm areas where there is no cold risk in winter. Fruit cracking is a main problem of pomegranate that is common in all pomegranate growing areas of Afghanistan. Producers use common rooms as store for pomegranate.