Syed Ali Shah:
Red and sweet Kandhari pomegranates on the squares of Quetta attract fruit lovers. Markets in Quetta and other parts of Pakistan are currently awash with red Kandhari pomegranates. “This year, good production of anar in Kandhar”, Fazal Muhammad, a black-bearded Afghan refugee told Daily Quetta Voice.
Fruit markets in Pakistan are the target of Afghan farmers in the Kandhar province. Per kilogram of pomegranates are available from Rs. 200 to 300 in various parts of this provincial capital. However, the prices jump in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad markets because of travel costs and long distances.
“Travel cost for Quetta is low therefore prices are reasonable here”, Fareed Ahmed
“Travel cost for Quetta is low therefore prices are reasonable here”, Fareed Ahmed, a pomegranate buyer in Quetta’s Almo Chowk said. Mr. Ahmed said most of the people were currently looking for Kandhari anar since the season was at its peak.
This year, merciless floods destroyed standing crops, and orchards across Balochistan. Especially, grapes orchards were the worst hit in Pishin, Killa Abdullah, Gulistan, Mastung, and other parts of the province.
“People are coming and buying and very few argue about prices”, Fazal Muhammad said. He had all varieties of anar with different prices.
“You cannot buy this red pomegranate anywhere in the world”, Fazal Muhammad insisted
“You cannot buy this red pomegranate anywhere in the world”, Fazal Muhammad insisted. He said earlier the former Afghan government used to export quality pomegranates to India. “Now good quality anar are coming to Pakistan”, he mentioned.
Afghanistan’s Kandhar province is famous for quality pomegranates. Over the years, the anar production has increased dominating fruit markets in Pakistan in general and Quetta city in particular.
Medical experts also suggest anar for various diseases. A common say, “aik anar sao bimar” (a pomegranate for one hundred patients).
