Kunar farmers, livestock owners receive seed, fertilizer

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Nearly 10 thousands farmers and livestock owners received improved quality wheat seed, chemical fertilizer and animal food in eastern Kunar province, an official said on Thursday.

The assistance was provided by the World Food Program (WFP) to farmers and livestock owners in Asmar, Ghaziabad, Watapur, Chapadara, Narang, Sarkano, Sawkai and Khas Kunar districts.

Provincial agriculture and livestock director Mullah Ezzatullah Hidayat told Pajhwok Afghan News that 4000 farmers were provided improved seed and chemical fertilizer in the eight districts.

Each farmer received 50kg of seed and 50kg of fertilizer, he said, adding animal food distribution to 5800 livestock owners was also launched in cooperation with Afghanistan Rural Rehabilitation organization.

Adel, a resident of Shal village in Asmar district, said his fields did not produce much last year due to drought and negligence of the government. He has now high hopes, saying that improved wheat seeds will give good yield.

Zakir, a resident of Watapur district, said: "In the past, we used to cultivate local seeds in our fields, which often did not yield much.”

He asked the Department of Agriculture and Livestock to provide more technical equipment and improved seeds and chemical fertilizers to farmers for the development of agriculture and livestock.

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