Facility to give farmers market for produce
by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker RC-SW
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Advances in security aren’t the only signs of progress in Afghanistan. Nine Afghan contracting companies met with senior Marine officials at Camp Hanson to discuss a plan to build an 1,800 square-foot fruit and vegetable facility in Marjah, May 5.
The facility, which will be the first of its kind, will employ 24 local people and has the potential to positively affect more than 200 Afghans. Construction is due to start in a month.
Pictured: Afghan contractors and Marines arrive at Camp Hanson, April 29, and exchange greetings before talking about a plan to build a fruit and vegetable facility. The facility will give local farmers a means to distribute produce.
Inside this facility, fruits and vegetables will be accepted, washed, graded, packaged and cold-stored. This will allow for undamaged shipment to other markets by larger vehicles.
This facility will allow farmers to sell all of their produce, feed the people of Afghanistan and possibly export to outer markets, said Senior Chief Jim R. Remmert, project manager for Regional Command Southwest Governance and Development. “It expands the market for the local farmer over and above the local bazaar fruit stand.”
Many farmers still grow opium, but the new facility may motivate farmers to make a living by selling produce.
“The farmers here are talented and work hard, so we know they can do it if the opportunity is there,” said Remmert.
Local farmers endorse the plan for a new facility.
“All the Afghans were supportive and thought it was a good idea for Marjah to have,” said Cpl. Brandon L. Brewer, a clerk for RC (SW) Governance and Development. “This will help boost the economy in the area, and give the local farmers a means to distribute.”
The project is expected to take about three to six months to build.
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