Baghlan Sugar Factory: One of Afghanistan’s Largest Industrial Projects

By: H.N

The Baghlan Sugar Factory is one of Afghanistan’s oldest and most significant industrial establishments, playing a key role in domestic sugar production and the country’s economic development. This factory was established in 1940 (1319 Solar Hijri) with the support of the Afghan government and collaboration with foreign engineers. The location was chosen in Baghlan province due to its fertile lands, which provided suitable conditions for cultivating sugar beets. The main objectives of establishing this factory were to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production, reduce dependency on imports, and create job opportunities for the people.

At the outset, the Baghlan Sugar Factory was considered one of the largest industrial centers in the country, supplying a significant portion of Afghanistan’s sugar needs. During the 1960s and 1970s (1340s and 1350s Solar Hijri), the factory reached its peak production, processing 700 tons of sugar beets daily and producing hundreds of tons of sugar. It also provided employment for over 2,500 people.

However, with the outbreak of civil wars in the 1990s (1370s Solar Hijri), the factory faced multiple challenges. Ongoing conflict and insecurity, destruction of industrial infrastructure, reduced government support, lack of investment for upgrading equipment, and competition from imported sugar were among the key factors that led to the factory’s closure. Eventually, in 1992 (1371 Solar Hijri), as wars intensified and the economic crisis deepened, the factory was completely shut down, leaving its workers unemployed.

Following the return of the Islamic Emirate in August 2021, the revival and reactivation of domestic industries became a government priority. As a result of these policies, on March 3, 2025, the Baghlan Sugar Factory resumed operations after more than 30 years of inactivity. Officials from the Islamic Emirate undertook serious efforts to repair and upgrade production machinery, restart the power turbines, rehire technical workers, secure raw materials, and encourage farmers to cultivate sugar beets again.

Currently, the factory operates with 360 workers, including 60 directly employed and 300 indirectly involved. The facility processes 700 to 800 tons of sugar beets daily to produce sugar. With continued government and public support, this factory has the potential to play a crucial role in making Afghanistan self-sufficient in sugar production.

However, challenges such as the shortage of raw materials (sugar beets), competition with cheaper imported sugar, and the need for further investment still persist. The government is working to implement appropriate measures to address these obstacles.

The revival of this factory has significantly contributed to both the national and local economies. It has created jobs for dozens of people, encouraged farmers to grow sugar beets again, reduced the country’s dependence on sugar imports, increased government revenues, and gradually improved the economic conditions of the people.

The Islamic Emirate is determined to continue supporting this factory’s operations, aiming to double its production capacity and export Afghan sugar to neighboring countries in the near future. This initiative marks a significant step toward Afghanistan’s self-sufficiency in sugar production.

The resumption of operations at the Baghlan Sugar Factory after three decades signifies a remarkable achievement in Afghanistan’s industrial development trajectory. With sustained governmental support, strategic investments, and public-private collaboration, this facility has the potential to become a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s economic self-sufficiency and industrial growth. A well-supported industrial policy could not only reduce reliance on imports but also create thousands of sustainable jobs, fostering long-term economic stability and national prosperity.