Twenty years ago the fruit industry sector was one of the pillars of the Afghan economy, contributing over 40% of total export earnings due to the production of mainly dry fruits, and also quality fresh ones. The war and civil strife, and the last three years the drought have contributed to the decline of the sector. The Afghan environment is very suitable for the cultivation of a wide range of horticultural species. The cultivation of deciduous and subtropical fruit species has also been traditionally practised. However, with the exception of grape, the production of most of the fruit crops is characterized by poor quality and low yield, resulting in uncompetitive produce on the international market. Raisins are economically the largest part of the horticultural crop in Afghanistan and are also its primary export commodity. In Afghanistan over 50% of children, younger than five years, are estimated to be chronically malnourished. 68% of mean kilocalories per day per capita come from cereals and the consumption of fruits and vegetables during the winter months is very little. The development of horticulture and its agribusiness could enhance the employment and the wealth of poor people but at low wage rates, forcing many of them to migrate to urban areas or neighbouring countries, because of the limited capacity of agriculture in Afghanistan to absorb the growing work force. During the last years, as it will be in the next, the cultivated irrigated areas have increased to poppy benefit because the farmers reach the aims of the availability of cash and the guarantee of secure food for their families.