Soybean yield expected to reach 180 tons in Laghman

MEHTARLAM (Pajhwok): The Agriculture Department of eastern Laghman province says soybean crop is cultivated on 175 hectares land in the province this year, estimating the yield at 180 tons.

Eng. Baryali Hamdard, an official of the Agriculture Department, told Pajhwok Afghan News that soybean crop was cultivated in the provincial capital, Mehtarlam, Alingar, Alighsang and Qargahio districts with financial support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

He said last year soybeans were cultivated on 30 hectares of land that produced 42 tons and based on this assessment,  this year’s harvest would reach 180 tons.

On the other hand, farmers are also happy about last year’s harvest of soybeans.

Mohammad Zalmi, a farmer in Nilawat area of Mehtarlam, told Pajhwok that last year, he cultivated soybeans on five acres of land, but this year he cultivated the crop on 10 acres.

He added: “The yield and profit of soybean is more than wheat, rice and other crops and I also suggest to other farmers to cultivate  soybeans on their land.”

Meanwhile, Mohammad Shireen, another farmer in Maskin Abad area of Alingar district, told Pajhwok last year he cultivated soybeans on nearly one acre of land which produced  420 kilograms of soybean.

He said seven kilograms of soybeans were sold for 550 afs in Laghman province.

Agriculture officials say they are trying to expand soybean cultivation for being profitable crop and cheap source of protein.

kk/ma

Views: 70