BAMYAN (PAN): Bamyan is identified one of the provinces having neither industrial zone nor any big or small factories to support and bolster economy of the province’s poverty-stricken masses.
Even the widely known Bamyan has an undersized bazaar, forcing people to use their items and stuff from Kabul, Mazar and Ghazni provinces.
Trade market is not booming in the province at the 4, 000 available shops do business in retail but not whole selling.
Agriculture:
Agriculture is the widely adopted profession with the main crop is potatoes, which fulfill the need of half of the country. People associate with the business of dairy and dry fruits as well, which are exported to other provinces and even abroad. The potatoes support the economy of the locals to great extent.
A farmer Mohammad Asif complained had the government extended cooperation to improve the direly needed agriculture and livestock sectors then it would have improved economy of the people considerably.
He underlined the need the government should adopt measures to build dams, ensure provision of refined seeds to farmers and help bolster the orchard sector.
Haji Khuda Dad, an orchard owner in Bamyan said bolstering the vital livestock was an important job to be done, which would go a long way to multiply economy of the province in larger interests of the country.
Promoting of livestock and husbandry to help export thousands of tons of meet. “Farmers need to be encouraged and create awareness among them regarding the importance livestock and husbandry--- a trend that tends to multiply business in the entire province.”    
Mohammad Tahir Attaie, head of Bamyan agriculture and livestock department revealed government could not extend farmers with 100% support, adding the concerned departs should develop the agro sector in larger national interests.
“The government supports only a handful of farmers and at the same time government officials said they need cabinet approval to implement the plan countrywide to improve the agriculture sector,” he added.
Trade and Investment:
The residents of Bamyan demand construction of industrial parks, woo more investment, improve handicrafts and tourism sectors. The province has no industry but tourism is getting momentum.
Haji Chaman, a trader from Bamyan said absence of industry sparked joblessness in the province and even Bamyan itself did not look like a city. If the government focus attention on investment then the biggest problem were being faced by the masses would be resolved.
Abdul Wahid, provincial head of chamber of commerce said his department made repeated requests of the government to encourage investors but lack of will on the part of government did not yield any outcome.
“The master plan has been finalized recently where land for industrial parks and other markets is allocated, however, that is not disbursed among investors because of absence of electricity,” he added.
He expressed hope that investment would boom if the government started measures to provide level playing field for investors.
Bamyan has vast sources of natural resources for investment with special reference in mines field of iron and coal such as Hajigak iron mine located in Hindukush Mountains between Bamyan and Maidan Wardak. The mine was discovered in 1960 with 16 kilometers length and 550 meters depth. It is one of the world’s biggest iron mines where two billion tons of iron is said to be existed.
Back in 2011, the Indian company of (SAIL/ AFISCO) won the bid to extract three blocks and a Canadian Kilo Gold Mines company won extracting one block.
Handicrafts:
Bamyan’s handicrafts include carpet, rugs, embroidery and other woolen products mostly produced by women with the provincial officials said that Bamyan carpets enjoy first class reputation throughout the world.
Bamyan handicrafts have worldwide reputation because local and foreign tourists come in large number visiting historical sites such as the Buddha statue and the Band-i-Amir national park.
Tourists from abroad come and buy handicrafts from the local shops, which was a source of income generation for the locals.
Mohammad Amin Danishyar, resident of Waras district of Bamyan who has his woolen products business said he was collecting woolen products from the localities and then sell them in the bazaar, adding that the product had no good demands in market. He underlined the need by saying that exhibitions should be arranged in an apparent attempt to project the handicrafts.
Mariam, a woolen product trainer from Waras district said producing woolen stuff was a time consuming, adding that everyone could not do the business. She went on to say that women did not know what colors have greater demand in the market to be produced.
Ghulam Nabi Jahish, head for enhancing villagers’ products said improving the production of handicrafts was beneficial because of improving economy and introduction of the ancient culture.