Sayed's Food Consulting poem

Sayed's Food Consulting, a name to know,

A team of experts, ready to grow,

Advice and support, they do bestow,

To help the food industry, stay in the flow.

 

From safety and quality to product development,

SFC's got your back, with expert attention,

Regulatory compliance, they'll help you mention,

So your business can thrive, with no detention.

 

Supply chain management, they'll help you sort,

Sourcing ingredients, and logistics, they'll make it short,

Food traceability, and transparency, they'll make it worthwhile,

So you can focus on your core, and not get caught.

 

Training and start-up, they'll help you succeed,

With food safety and hygiene, you'll be in the lead,

Innovation and market analysis, they'll help you read,

So you can stand out, and meet the need.

 

Sayed's Food Consulting, the name to trust,

For all your food needs, they've got the must,

With their expert advice, you'll never rust,

A true partner, for your business to thrust.

Horticulture and economic development in Afghanistan

 By: Sayed Mohammad Naim Khalid

Horticulture, which includes the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, is a significant economic sector in Afghanistan, providing income and employment opportunities for many farmers and rural communities. The horticulture value chains in Afghanistan typically involve a range of actors, including farmers, traders, processors, and retailers.

One of the main economic value additions in the horticulture sector in Afghanistan is through increased productivity and yields. This can be done by providing farmers with improved seed varieties, better irrigation systems, and appropriate training on best practices in horticulture. This will increase the quantity and quality of products and thus increase the income for farmers.

Another way of economic value added is by adding value to the product through processing, packaging, and branding. This can be done by creating processing facilities, such as fruit and vegetable canning, freezing, and drying, which can help to extend the shelf life of the product and increase its value. Furthermore, packaging and branding can also help to increase the value of the product by making it more attractive to consumers and allowing for greater differentiation in the market.

In addition, horticulture can also contribute to food security by increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in the country. This can be especially important in a country like Afghanistan, where food insecurity is a major issue, as increasing the availability of fresh produce can help to improve the nutrition and overall health of the population.

Furthermore, horticulture can also contribute to the development of rural communities by providing income and employment opportunities, and helping to support traditional cultural practices and rural livelihoods.

Overall, horticulture has a significant potential to contribute to the economic development of Afghanistan and to improve the standard of living for many Afghans.

Start a business in Afghanistan

 By: Sayed Mohammad Naim Khalid

Starting a business in Afghanistan can play a vital role in helping to rebuild and stabilize the country's economy. The country has been struggling with poverty, unemployment and instability for decades, and entrepreneurship can provide an important source of income and employment for many Afghans. In addition, businesses can also contribute to the overall development of the country by providing goods and services, creating jobs, and generating revenue for the government. Additionally, businesses can also help to improve the overall standard of living in the country by providing access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, and healthcare. Furthermore, starting a business in Afghanistan can also help to promote economic integration and stability in the region by creating new trade and business opportunities. It's important to note that, although starting a business in Afghanistan may come with some challenges, with the right approach and support, it can also bring significant benefits to both entrepreneurs and the country as a whole.

What is needed to start a business like a restaurant in Afghanistan?

To start a restaurant business in Afghanistan, there are a number of key steps that need to be taken, including:

1. Developing a business plan: This should include details on the type of restaurant you want to open, the target market, the menu and pricing, and financial projections.
2. Securing funding: This may involve finding investors or applying for a loan from a bank.
3. Finding a location: Look for a location that is easily accessible and visible to your target market.
4. Obtaining permits and licenses: Depending on the type of restaurant you plan to open, you may need to obtain various permits and licenses from local and national government authorities.
5. Hiring and training staff: Staff is the backbone of any restaurant, so it's important to hire experienced and professional staff.
6. Designing and equipping the restaurant: You will need to design the layout of your restaurant, purchase equipment, and furniture, and set up a kitchen.
7. Marketing and promoting your restaurant: You will need to develop a marketing plan to promote your restaurant, including social media, flyers, word of mouth, etc.
8. Building relationships with suppliers: You will need to build relationships with suppliers of food and other ingredients.
9. Be aware of cultural sensitivity: Be aware of cultural sensitivity and different customs, and make sure you are offering a menu that is appropriate for the local population.

It's also worth noting that starting a business in Afghanistan can be challenging due to the ongoing security and political instability, so it's important to stay informed about the situation in the country and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself, your staff, and your customers.

 

10 food business ideas in Afghanistan

By: Sayed M Naim Khalid

Starting a food business in Afghanistan can be a viable option for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the country's rich culinary heritage. However, it is important to be aware of the unique challenges and considerations that come with operating a business in this country. Some of the key factors to consider include the local market and competition, sourcing ingredients and equipment, navigating Afghan regulations and laws, and dealing with the country's ongoing security and political instability. Additionally, it is important to be culturally sensitive and respectful when starting a business in Afghanistan, as the country has a diverse population with a wide range of customs and traditions. It may also be helpful to seek out local partners or mentors who have experience in the Afghan food industry and can provide guidance and support as you start your business.

1. Traditional Afghan restaurant
2. Street food vendor (e.g. selling kebabs, mantu, and other popular Afghan street foods)
3. Catering service for Afghan-style events and parties
4. A grocery store specializing in Afghan ingredients and products
5. Bakery offering Afghan-style bread and pastries
6. Fast food restaurant serving Afghan-style dishes
7. A food truck selling Afghan cuisine
8. Food processing and packaging business for Afghan products
9. Tea and coffee shop featuring Afghan tea varieties and coffee blends
10. Home-based business selling homemade Afghan food products (e.g. jams, pickles, sauces) 

Why agriculture fails in an agricultural country? The case of Afghanistan

By: Sayed Mohammad Naim Khalid

Afghanistan has a long history of agricultural production, but the country's agricultural sector has been significantly impacted by ongoing armed conflict and insecurity, which has made it difficult to develop and sustain the sector. There are a number of reasons why the productivity of Afghan agriculture is low, and why young people are not interested in the sector. Some of the main factors include:

1.      Lack of access to markets: Rural communities in Afghanistan often lack access to markets and infrastructure, making it difficult for farmers to sell their products and earn a living. This can discourage farmers from investing in their farms and lead to low productivity.

2.      Insecurity and displacement: Ongoing armed conflict and insecurity have resulted in displacement of communities, disruption of livelihoods, and damage to infrastructure. This has made it difficult for farmers to access land, water, and markets, leading to a decrease in production and income.

3.      Lack of investment in agricultural infrastructure: A lack of investment in infrastructure such as irrigation systems, roads, and storage facilities has made it difficult for farmers to increase their productivity.

4.      Limited access to inputs and technology: Afghan farmers often have limited access to inputs such as seed, fertilizer, and agricultural equipment, and lack of access to modern farming techniques which can make it more difficult for them to improve their yields.

5.      Lack of education and training: Many farmers in Afghanistan lack access to education and training, which limits their ability to adopt new technologies and farming practices.

6.      Weather variability: Afghanistan is heavily dependent on rain-fed crops, this makes the agriculture sector highly dependent on the weather, droughts, floods and landslides are common issues that affect the production.

7.      Political instability and economic challenges: Afghanistan has long been in a state of political instability and economic turmoil, making it difficult to achieve a sustainable and stable agricultural sector.

Hunger in Afghanistan

By: Sayed Mohammad Naim Khalid

Hunger is a significant problem in Afghanistan, with a high proportion of the population experiencing food insecurity. This is caused by a combination of factors, including ongoing armed conflict, poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and natural disasters such as droughts and floods.

The conflict has disrupted agricultural production, making it difficult for farmers to access land, water, and markets, which has led to a decrease in production and income. Insecurity and displacement have also resulted in disruptions to livelihoods, making it difficult for many people to earn a living and access sufficient food.

Additionally, Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, and a large proportion of the population lives below the poverty line. Poverty and lack of economic opportunities are major contributors to hunger and food insecurity.

Undernutrition is also a significant problem in Afghanistan, with high rates of malnutrition, especially among children. This is caused by a lack of access to nutritious food, poor dietary habits, and limited access to healthcare and education.

The government and humanitarian organizations are working to address hunger in Afghanistan, by providing food assistance, improving agricultural productivity, and providing assistance for the recovery of livelihoods. However, the ongoing conflict and insecurity have made it difficult to fully implement these efforts and to achieve sustainable food security in the country.

It's worth mentioning that Afghanistan is heavily dependent on international aid and donor funding, the disruption of aid, the lack of funding and the government's poor capacity to deliver aid often exacerbates the problem of hunger in the country. In order to achieve sustainable food security, it will be necessary to address the underlying causes of food insecurity, such as poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and ongoing armed conflict.

Food Security in Afghanistan

By: Sayed Mohammad Naim Khalid

Food security in Afghanistan is a complex issue that is affected by a number of factors, including political instability, economic challenges, and natural disasters. Afghanistan is an agricultural country, but the majority of the population lives in rural areas and lacks access to markets, services, and infrastructure which makes it difficult to access a stable food supply.

Insecurity and armed conflict have had a significant impact on food security in Afghanistan. The ongoing violence has resulted in the displacement of communities, disruption of livelihoods, and damage to infrastructure, all of which have contributed to food insecurity. The country has been in a state of war for decades, this has disrupted agricultural production, making it difficult for farmers to access land, water, and markets, which has led to a decrease in production and income.

Climate change also plays a role in food security in Afghanistan. The country is affected by severe droughts, flash floods, and landslides, which have an impact on agriculture and food production. This, combined with a lack of irrigation systems, has made agriculture dependent on rainfed crops and makes it vulnerable to weather variability.

Additionally, poverty and undernutrition are major issues in Afghanistan, with a high proportion of the population living below the poverty line. A lack of economic opportunities, poor access to education and healthcare, and low levels of government spending on social services contribute to these issues.

The government and humanitarian organizations are working to address food security in Afghanistan, by providing food assistance, improving agricultural productivity, and providing assistance for the recovery of livelihoods. However, the ongoing conflict and insecurity have made it difficult to fully implement these efforts and to achieve sustainable food security in the country.

Overall, food security in Afghanistan is a complex and challenging issue that is affected by political instability, economic challenges, and natural disasters. Addressing food security in Afghanistan will require a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and undernutrition, lack of economic opportunities, and poor access. 

Food Safety Knowledge for food Handlers

Food industry handler are part of the value chain who can play critical role in the safety of the food products. In some countries there are legal requirements for food safety knowledge of the food handlers while in others like Afghanistan there is no legal stipulation for food industries to train its staff. As per experience from the field, I think that it is very important to have at least basic knowledge of food safety. Countries like Afghanistan, must put some obligations on all food service facilities and food handlers in relation to the safe handling of food. In this case a food facility shall be deemed responsible for ensuring that all persons undertaking or supervising food handling have skills and knowledge in food safety and hygiene appropriate to the work they do.

There are a number of options to ensure that this obligation is met. These include:

·         Recruiting staff with formal industry based training qualifications

·         On the job’ training by other staff

·         Facilitating external training

·         In house training by other staff

·         Providing written food safety and food hygiene information

In addition, I believe that any food facility which has a food safety person will have positive outcomes.

As per the current food regulatory system in Afghanistan, raw food is controlled by Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock while processed food is controlled by Ministry of Public Health. Therefore, both of these organization must be responsible for meeting the requirements of the stipulated obligations in the draft food law. Both authorities may choose to delegate particular items to specific persons or positions within their organizational structure, such as the Animal Health Directorate or the Quality Control Lab Directorate.

It is recommended that employee successfully completes training to demonstrate satisfaction of the skills and knowledge requirements. Anyone who finishes the training must be issued a Statement of Attainment. While prior to this there is a need for the national competencies identified in food safety to be identified.
-Naim Khalid