Drought tamps down Daikundi almond yield

NEILI CITY (Pajhwok): Orchard owners and businesspeople in central Daikundi province have complained about the quantity and quality of this year’s almond yield.

Anwar, an almond merchant, said this year’s drought had left a negative impact on fruit trees in the province, taking a toll on almond production.

People are heavily reliant on income from almond sales, but the yield was harmed by drought and a shortage of water this year.

Given its poor quality, almond was supplied to the market at a pretty low rate, the grower says, citing fewer buyers for the fruit as another problem.

Anwar estimates the weight of an almond nut seed decreased this season from 30 grams to 20 grams. A kilogram of almond accounts for about 110 afs, cheaper than last year.

Haji Dur Mohammad, another farmer, confirmed: “The yield of my orchard has fallen because of drought. The nuts have shrunken significantly.”

The yield was 50 percent lower in 2022 than last year, he said, lamenting his revenue loss at a time of a serious economic crisis in the country.

Traders urged the government to promote the almond business and expand its market. They want local authorities to help them in areas of marketing, processing and finding buyers for their products.

Local agriculture officials acknowledged the negative effects of drought on almond yield.

Agriculture Director Bashir Ahmad Rafi said: “The drought has hit orchards not only in Daikundi. It has affected orchards all over Afghanistan.”

Orchard owners have felt negative effects of drought in all districts of Daikundi province, he added.

Due to financial constraints and lack of resources, demands of all almond orchard owners and fruit merchants could not be met, he said.

Local officials say 24 types of almond were currently grown in Daikundi province.

Ninety percent of Daikundi residents are reliant on agriculture, with almond sales making their 80 percent of their income.

aw/nh/mud