In the city of Mazar-i-Sherif, there are a lot of people at the fruit and sweets market before the celebration of Ramadan Hayit. As Daryo's correspondent in Afghanistan explained, here this festival is also called the “Dried Fruit Festival”, because during it the trade in sweet fruits is revived.

But some of the sellers who spoke to the correspondent said that this year's sales are not as good as in previous years. The reason for this reportedly was the ongoing economic crisis in the country, and the increase in poverty and unemployment.

“Although dried fruits are cheaper than in previous years, people do not have enough money to buy them,” the sellers said.

Currently one kg of almonds costs from $5 to $11, a kg of Afghan pistachios is sold for $7, and Iranian ones - for $11.

Also, one kg of raisins ranges from $3 to $4, a kg of local peas is sold for $2, and a kg of Iranian ones - for $4.

A kg of Uzbek sesame cookies costs $2.5. One of the sellers said that he brought most of the goods from Uzbekistan.

Another dried fruit seller, Ali Sino, who dropped out of school to earn money, said:

“Prices for dried sweet fruits are lower compared to last year, but people only ask for prices, but do not buy. If security improves, many Afghans will be able to return to their homeland and the job market can flourish.”

Daryo team previously compared prices for basic goods in Central Asia and Afghanistan.