Grape yields down by 90pc in Kunduz this year

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Grape harvest has decreased by 90 percent in northern Kunduz province this year mainly due to severe cold weather condition,

Salahuddin Wahid, an official of the provincial Agriculture Department, told Pajhwok Afghan News that their estimate was 1,000 metric tons of grapes this year, but it decreased by 90 percent compared to last year’s yield.

He blamed the massive decrease in grape yield on cold weather and said only two types of grapes had good results.

He added: "A total of 10 types of grapes were cultivated and two of them (Pirnaqshi and Kashmshi) had 10 percent yield and the rest dried up. The grapes of Kunduz are exported to other provinces and abroad, but unfortunately this year due to cold weather the yield decreased by 90 percent.”

Adam Khan, a grape grower in Kunduz, told Pajhwok that cold weather last year seriously damaged grape trees and if the government did not support them, their gardens would be destroyed.

He said: "The yield of grapes is zero, producing nothing. Most of the vines have dried up. If the government does not cooperate with us, we will not be able to revive our orchards. If we do not plant more seedlings, we may lose our gardens.”

hz/ma