Strengthening Business Management of Zabul FSC

The Zabul Farm Service Center is owned and operated by Mr. Said Rahim. Mr. Rahim not only manages the Farm Service Center (FSC), but also provides for a household of 7 children, 6 brothers, and their families, totaling 41 family members.

Following through with their commitment to improve the capacity of the FSCs, the AFSA project recently arranged for on-site training for Mr. Rahim at a neighboring FSC. Mr. Rahim visited the Kandahar Farm Service Center, where its seasoned owner and staff trained him in general FSC operations and management. An empowered Mr Rahim related his on-site training experience to AFSA project management:

“The training was very good for me, and I learned a lot of things from the Kandahar farm store, such as how to manage my store inventory, sales of CPP, seeds, animal medicines, fertilizer, tools, animal feed and other products. I also received training and information on an animal feed mixing machine, and proper usage of solar refrigerating units for vaccines and animal medicines. They further trained me on how to advertise and market my products, and how to prepare brochures, leaflets, posters, and training guides for the FSC customers.

I also learned how to prepare a parking lot for my rental machinery, set up a veterinary service unit, prepare the product showroom, and properly account for my day-to-day sales and inventory at the farm store.”

Despite security concerns hindering his advertising efforts, he continued: “We get new customers every day from different districts of the province, leading to the continuation of our success. Zabul FSC has served over 1,500 customers in the last 3 months, while the business has grown over 30%. The FSC machinery is providing the farmers with machinery services with a 10% discount.”

“The people of Qalat city who are using the FSC services are really happy and always appreciate the high quality services and products which are provided in Zabul for the first time through the Zabul Farm Service Center.”

The Zabul FSC has 14 full time employees and has made more than $446,954 in sales since its inception in September, 2008. The store has provided training to 1,433 farmers and provides quality inputs and services to more than 4,024 rural households.