Batikot set to produce 2,100 tonnes of tangerine

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): The Canal Department in eastern Nangarhar province expects a tangerine yield of 2,100 tons from gardens in Batikot district this year.

Tangerine gardens were established on 6,000 acres of land owned by the Canal Department. Officials say fresh gardens have been set up on hundreds of hectares of land to hike the fruit’s yield.

Syed Hamayoon Gharibmal, spokesman for the department, told Pajhwok Afghan News this year’s yield from tangerine gardens was higher.

Based on one estimate, the Batikot gardens would produce 2,100 tonnes of tangerine this year, the official added.

Proper maintenance of tangerine gardens by the Canal Department had resulted in the production increase, he explained.

Ahmad Sayyar, a resident of Jalalabad, recalled per seven kilograms of tangerine previously accounted for 300-400 afghanis. But this year, the price has risen to 700 afghanis.

However, the department assured the prices of tangerine produced by its gardens would be kept in check. But controlling market prices is the duty of the municipality.

The contract for the tangerine harvest and sale has been awarded to a private company. This will create job opportunities and prevent corruption.

Naqibullah, the contractor, said: “In addition to providing work, we are striving to boost the yield of tangerine and prevent imports from Pakistan.”

Naveed, a worker collecting tangerine in Batikot, urged the government to provide jobs for people and reduce the level of employment.

sa/mud

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