Sitting next to President Karzai

10/2006 - As I walked into the Office of the President, I was stunned by the innate beauty of the Afghan craftsmanship that decorated our surroundings for visiting dignitaries. Suddenly, Shamim told me that I would be sitting next to President Karzai in the same seat that Tony Blair and George Bush are placed for formal meetings. Seconds later, the elegant President Hamid Karzai appeared to greet his guests from America as I was escorted by the Minister of Protocol to “the chair.”

A flash of cameras and television lights immediately filled the room, and I knew that I must quickly think on my feet (thank goodness I still had them after walking through the minefields!)

Time was precious, and I delivered my soundbite that Roots of Peace has raised the necessary funds to remove over 100,000 landmines and UXO’s north of Kabul in the once fertile Shomali Plains. Over 6000 Afghan farmers have been trained by us as they produce alternative agricultural livelihoods—terms President Karzai called forth during his recent visit to the United States for the Opening of the General Assembly! The Roots of Peace program works with merchants to communicate improved production techniques and new quality requirements to the farmers they buy from. Marketing experts then help associations of merchants and farmers build the capacity and infrastructure they need to reach international markets—increasing national income and farm-gate prices.

Grape production in the Shomali Valley is now mostly focused on smaller raisin grapes, but farmers are eager to switch to more profitable grapes! Roots of Peace has helped 1000 local farmers “graft” higher value vines onto 6,300 existing roots, allowing them to quickly switch varieties and increase income. The new varieties are large enough for the international market and command much higher prices locally as well!