Over 20,000 hectares of pistachio forests revived in Badghis

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): The Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock department of western Badghis province says it has revived pistachio forests on more than 20,000 hectares of land in the past two decades.

The department head, Raz Mohammad Zakir, told Pajhwok Afghan News that since 2006, about 22,000 hectares of pistachio forest had been restored by their department in cooperation with donor institutions.

He said about 22,000 hectares of pistachio forests were located in Muqor, Abkamari, Qadus and Bala Murghab districts.

He added his department was trying its level best to protect the forests and asked the people to play their role in preserving the forests.

A number of residents also welcomed the restoration of pistachio forests in different areas of the province.

Mohammad Anwar, a resident of Qadus district, was happy with restoration of pistachio forests and wished the forests would be protected.

He also said the government and other relevant departments must pay serious attention to the protection of pistachio forests and prevent their cutting.

He said deforestation was common practice in different areas of Badghis in the past, but now it had been put to an end.

Mohammad Javad, another resident, welcomed the revival of pistachio forests in different areas of Badghis province and asked for their protection.

He said the restoration of pistachio forests was essential in improving the economic situation of the residents and effective in reducing air pollution.

He added: “We welcome plantation of pistachio trees in Badghis as a very good thing. Our request to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is to protect the trees from being cut down.”

Mohammad Rafi Mutmaeen, a civil society activist in Badghis, said more areas should be covered with pistachio forests.

The activist said he expected Badghis residents to take part in restoration and protection of forests and to cooperate with the Islamic Emirate and other institutions in this regard.

sa/ma