Two Afghan nationals set stall at spice fair to sell dry fruits in Jaipur

JAIPUR: A Pashtun and Hazara from Afghanistan were seen selling tasty dry fruits in Jaipur. At the ‘National Co-Operative Spice Fair organised by the Rajasthan Progressive Co-operative Society and Con-Fed, apart from spice stalls from across India, two Afghan sellers were selling their country’s dry fruits.
Hamid Bajaori (37) is in India from Kabul to participate in the fair.Now that the 10-day fair got over on Monday, he will go to other states to sell dry fruits imported from Afghanistan.
When asked about the situation back home, Hamid said, “Taliban don’t disturb businessmen because if revenue is generated, they will also profit from it. Taliban is encouraging people to establish business. My father and stepmother stay in New Delhi, but I live in Kabul with my mother. My dry fruits are in great demand in India.”
A Hazara girl was also seen working at a shop in the fair selling similar dry fruits.
She arrived with her family in India two years ago to visit, but later when Taliban took over, her family made India their home.
“I am working as a salesgirl. My family lives in Delhi except a sister who is still stuck in Kabul. She wants to get out, but it is dangerous, especially for Hazara. We are selling dry fruits here and people’s love has helped us build our life from scratch,” said Nooriya Hazara.
In summers, dry fruit business is slow, but both were able to make a profit.
Other than this, cumin from Bhinmal, green fennel from Sirohi, green fenugreek from Nagaur, spices from Kerala, pickles from different parts of the country and tribal spices were sold at the fair. MD of Con-Fed VK Verma said that through this spice fair a special platform is provided to traders across India and customers to purchase good quality product at one place.