Growing up amidst the fertile lands of Kandahar, Mr. Saeed witnessed firsthand the rich bounty of grapes and pomegranates his family nurtured. Their farms were not just a source of livelihood but also repositories of tradition and pride. However, as he matured, Mr. Saeed couldn’t ignore the glaring gap between the abundance of harvest seasons and the limited avenues for exporting these treasures beyond Afghanistan’s borders.

In 2000, fuelled by a fervent desire to revolutionize the agricultural industry, Mr. Saeed founded Kanda Fruit. His vision was as bold as it was noble, encompassing extending the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables, thus liberating growers from the need to sell immediately post-harvest.  Enhancing the quality and safety of agricultural produce, standardized packaging and exporting became integral components of his plan. Despite daunting challenges and the absence of established infrastructure, Mr. Saeed pressed forward, driven by a determination to realize his dream.

Even before formal registration with the Afghan Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Kanda Fruit commenced its operations. A state-of-the-art cold storage facility emerged, offering cold treatment processes to fresh produce for export. Local farmers found solace in this facility, which provided a sanctuary for their fruits and vegetables while awaiting optimal market conditions. With demand surging and the facility continually expanding, Kanda Fruit’s impact rippled across Afghanistan.

Venturing into global markets posed formidable challenges, demanding meticulous attention to packaging, labelling, and adherence to stringent safety regulations. Undeterred by the labyrinthine trails, Kanda Fruit seized the opportunity to be a trailblazer in developing Afghanistan’s agricultural value chain for exports. Soon, under the resplendent banner of “Kanda Fruit,” grapes and pomegranates from Kandahar found their way to the hearts of patrons in India and the United Arab Emirates, igniting a spark that rapidly spread across borders.

Yet, Mr. Saeed’s aspirations transcended mere exports. In 2015, he established Kanda Agro Services (KAS), securing exclusive distribution rights for Mahindra Tractors and Fieldking implements in Afghanistan. Recognizing the transformative potential of these high-quality agricultural tools, Mr. Saeed sought to modernize farming practices and enhance agricultural productivity across the nation.

 Under CAS, the next milestone Mr. Saeed spearheaded was the establishment of Afghanistan’s first agricultural laboratory. Recognizing the glaring absence of a facility for evaluating water, soil, and agricultural products, Mr. Saeed identified the urgent need for conducting crucial tests such as disease detection, nutritional analysis, microbiological examination, and safety assessments. This pivotal initiative marked another significant stride towards transforming the agricultural landscape and ensuring the safety and quality of Afghan produce, thereby meeting safety requirements and bolstering consumer confidence.

In addition to these essential tests, the agricultural laboratory under CAS offers a comprehensive array of services aimed at optimizing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

In 2019, not content with past achievements, Mr. Saeed embarked on a grander venture: the Kandahar Mega Agricultural Complex (KMAC). Envisioned as a hub for production, processing, and exportation of Afghan produce, KMAC sought to replicate Kanda Fruit’s success on a grand scale, covering the entire country. KMAC’s vision extends from farm to international markets, promising to revolutionize the agriculture sector and bolster Afghanistan’s standing on the global scale.

In addition to its core operations, Kanda Fruit also pioneered Afghanistan’s first-ever fumigation and pest control center, ensuring compliance with international plant protection standards and safeguarding the purity of Afghan exports. Today, the company offers a range of services, from fumigation to pest control and training programs, empowering farmers with cutting-edge techniques and ensuring the safety and quality of Afghan agricultural products.

As the sun sets on each day, Kanda Fruit’s legacy continues to flourish, its fruits reaching new shores, and its impact resonating far beyond the borders of Afghanistan. Recent endeavours include supplying dried fruits and nuts to North America, fostering collaborations with local brands to deliver a bounty of delights to Canada and the United States.

From humble beginning to global acclaim, Kanda Fruit’s journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to agricultural excellence. As it continues to sow the seeds of progress, Kanda Fruit remains a steadfast symbol of Afghanistan’s agricultural potential, nurturing growth and prosperity for generations to come.