Windhoek: Afghanistan has achieved self-sufficiency in the production of salt and banned its import to the country, according to deputy spokesman for the Afghan interim government Hamdullah Fitrat.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the state-run Radio and Television of Afghanistan (RTA) quoted Fitrat as saying that the Economic Commission of the government has decided to ban all kinds of salt imports in order to support local production. Fitrat highlighted that the nation now produces sufficient salt to meet its annual needs and more.

Afghanistan, a country emerging from years of conflict, requires 300,000 tons of salt each year. The country is currently producing 344,000 tons of high-quality salt, which includes 40,000 tons specifically designated for animal consumption. This is sourced from 12 salt mines located throughout the nation. The move to ban salt imports is seen as a step towards bolstering the domestic economy by supporting local industries and reducing dependency on foreign imports.