Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) said that at least 1.7 billion liters of milk is produced in the country every year and that they need seven years to become self-reliance in this sector by investing $300 million.

According to MAIL statistics, Afghanistan imports more than 40 percent of its needs for dairy.

The MAIL’s Comprehensive Agriculture and Rural Development-Facility (CARD-F) program – which encompasses dairy sector as well – started nine years ago. Increase in milk production and providing milk processing facilities to farmers is part of this program, MAIL officials said.

Officials from the program said milk production is on the rise and that Afghanistan produces up to 60 percent of its needs for dairy products.

“We have implemented almost 50 agricultural projects in 14 provinces of the country,” said Ahmad Shekib Sakhizada, CEO of CARD-F.

Some owners of dairy processing firms in Kabul said the interest of people for local dairy products has changed the sector into a high-income industry in the country.

“We purchase milk from farmers in Logar and Maidan Wardak provinces on a daily basis because the quality of milk in these provinces are better compared with other areas,” said Nek Mohammad Noorani, an employee of Kabul Dairy Products.