Herat can become centre of Behi fruit production: Farmers

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Local officials in western Herat province says Behi fruit --- Pashto and Dari name --- cultivation in the province has positive outcome with over 2,000 metric tonnes of the fruit harvested last year from orchards.

Fruit Farming Director of Herat Agriculture Department Shukrullah Amini said last year there was bumper production of Behi with over 2,000 metric tonnes of fruit harvested from orchards on 443 hectares of land.

He said Behi has good market in the country and besides its fresh use this fruit was used for making jam and juice.

Currently one kilogram of Behi was sold in Herat market from 40 to 50 afs.

It is worth mentioning that Behi is also called golden apple and use of this fruit prevent cancer, reduce weight, blood cholesterol and improve human body immune system.

Abdullah,63, a farmer from the Pashton Zarghon district, said he cultivated Behi trees on 4.5 acres of land.

He was happy from his orchard and said he collected 400 kilogram of yield from every Behi tree and sold it in the market.

He, however, complained against the lack of Behi export to foreign markets and exploration of markets in the foreign countries.

Abdul Raziq, 37, a farmer from the Guzra district of Herat, is also happy about his Behi orchard and said this fruit give positive result in Guzra district.

“Water, weather, soil, branches cutting and urea play crucial role in quality Behi production. Nearly 80 percent land of our district suit Behi cultivation,” he said.

Mohammad Sharifi, head of the Guzra District Orchard Society, cultivated graphes on five acres of land.

He said last year there was bumper production of Behi and other furits in the provinces, adding that Herat will become centre of Behi production if government prays more attention.