Farmers’ interest in growing strawberries increases in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Farmers’ interest in growing strawberries has increased in northern Balkh province where the fruit, eaten freshly and dried, has been grown on 100 acres of land.

Farmers and traders say the cultivation of strawberries increased in Balkh following the ban on cultivation of poppy.

They say strawberries spoil quickly; therefore the government should build cold storages in the province to enable farmers to preserve their harvest.

Abdul Rashid, a farmer in Langar Khana village in Nehri Shahi district, told Pajhwok that his strawberry harvest was good this year compared to the previous years and its price was also good in the market.

He said the harvest and price of strawberries could further improve if the government supported farmers.

Abdul Wadood, another farmer in Ballk district, confirmed farmers’ interest in growing strawberries had increased due to the ban on poppy cultivation.

However, he complained farmers faced the challenges of lack of cold storages and the increased prices of chemical fertilizer and fuel, urging the government to resolve these problems.

Haider, a trader of fresh fruits, also said many fresh fruits, particularly strawberries, got decayed quickly and the government should support farmers by building cold storages.

Another trader, Syed Khan, held similar views and believed if the government supported farmers, Afghanistan would become self-sufficient in cultivation of fruits.

Balkh agriculture, irrigation and livestock extension manger Mohammad Hussain Azimi said strawberry orchards were grown on 100 acres of land in Nehri Shahi, Balkh, Dehdad, Chamtal and Sholgar districts of the province.

He said the Ministry of Agriculture was working on fundamental projects including construction of cold storages.

Besides Balkh, strawberries are also widely grown in Nangarhar and some other provinces.

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