Turkish apple plants give high yield in Maidan Wardak  

MAIDAN SHAHR (Pajhwok): Some orchard owners in central Maidan Wardak province, praising the yield of Turkish apple plants, have urged the distribution of this variety to growers across the country.

Mohammad Shafi, a resident of the Toop Dasht area of Syedabad district, is happy with the yield of his Turkish apple orchard. Having planted the trees on three acres of land, he stressed the need for paying greater attention to the saplings in initial stages.

He told Pajhwok Afghan news these trees occupied a smaller area and started growing apple in the second year of plantation. This variety is said to be less vulnerable to diseases and these apples have a higher demand because of their beautiful look.

He hoped other farmers would also be encouraged to start planning these apple saplings.

Mohammad Ejaz, another farmer in the area, also urged the government to take steps for the promotion of Turkish apple orchards in other areas as well.

He added: “The import of Turkish apple saplings is an issue. They are expensive and we need to set up its nurseries and ensure its availability at affordable rates in our country.”

Senior agriculture official Eng. Ihsanullah Ihsan Bombaywal called Maidan Wardak’s soil the most suitable for the Turkish variety of apples. He added they had planned saplings of this variety at the local level.

Bombaywal confirmed: “The Turkish variety yield is higher and has strong resistance against natural disasters.”

The official offered no information about the life of the trees, saying the variety was new in the country. He said farmers could grow up to 660 apple trees of the Turkish variety per acre, compared to 66 local saplings.

aw/nh/mud