Fruit orchards grown on 175 acres of Helmand land

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Different fruit bearing trees have been cultivated on 175 acres of land in four districts of southern Helmand province, an official said Saturday.

Helmand Agriculture Director ZalmayAlko during an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News said pomegranate, peach and some other fruit trees had been grown in Nawa, Nahar Seraj, Nad Ali and Garamser districts.

He said the trees have been cultivated on 175 acres of land and so far it produced positive outcome.

He said cultivation of more fruit trees was planned this year in some other districts as well, adding that fruit trees cultivation was better alternative for poppy cultivation.

Alko said farmers were being provided training regarding fruit farming in different districts to encourage them to grow fruit orchards.

He hoped opting to fruit farming, farmers would stop cultivating poppy crop.

Sediqullah, a farmer in NahriSeraj district, said they were happy for being encouraged or supported by the agriculture department to grow fruit trees.

He said Helmand has a very decent weather, fruit trees could grow here. The benefit of poppy only goes to smugglers while fruit farming has widespread impact, he added.

Nh/ma