In a significant boost to the local economy, construction of the first rice processing factory in Baghlan province has officially begun with a $2 million investment by an Afghan national investor.
Kabul 24: The project, located in the Chamaqola Industrial Park in central Baghlan district, is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities and strengthen the province’s agricultural sector.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Abdullah Mukhtar, Governor of Baghlan, Mohammad Naeem Hamkar, Head of Industry and Commerce for the province, Ghulam Naser Barakatzai, the project investor, along with local elders and residents.
Governor Abdullah Mukhtar described the initiative as an important step toward economic growth. He stated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has created a favorable environment for national investors and is actively supporting investment in various economic sectors.
He added that establishing agro-processing factories like this one plays a vital role in increasing domestic production, generating jobs, and promoting self-sufficiency.
Mohammad Naeem Hamkar, Head of Industry and Commerce, called the factory a milestone for Baghlan’s industrial development.
He noted that this is the first rice processing plant in the province’s industrial park and will significantly contribute to adding value to agricultural products and strengthening the local economy.
Investor Ghulam Naser Barakatzai announced that the factory is being built at a cost of two million dollars. Once operational, it will have the capacity to process a substantial volume of paddy rice daily.
He emphasized that the main goals of the project are to support domestic production, develop the agriculture sector, and create employment opportunities for the youth of Baghlan.
Barakatzai expressed his commitment to further investments in various economic and industrial sectors in the province to help achieve economic self-reliance.Local elders and residents warmly welcomed the project, describing it as a much-needed initiative that will reduce unemployment and stimulate the local economy.
Many believe the factory will prevent the export of raw paddy, increase the income of farmers, and bring greater value addition to agricultural products.Baghlan is one of Afghanistan’s key rice-producing regions.
The establishment of this modern processing facility is expected to enhance productivity, improve market access for local farmers, and serve as a model for similar agro-industrial projects across the country.
This $2 million investment sends a positive signal to other national investors and represents a concrete step toward industrial development based on Afghanistan’s agricultural potential.
