Nangarhar onion yield estimated at 66,000 tonnes

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): The Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Department is eyeing a significant surge in onion yield in eastern Nangarhar province this year.

Ajmal Subhani, a spokesman for the department, told Pajhwok Afghan News around 2,184.5 acres of land had been sown with onion in 22 districts of the province.

The farmers estimated to harvest 66,000 tonnes of onion, which would be supplied to different markets of the country, he said, recalling last year’s onion production stood at 50,000 tonnes.

Samiullah, a grower from Surkh Rud district, said he was optimistic about this year’s onion production.

Mohammad Naeem, a farmer from Rodat district, called on the government to find a market for their produce and build greenhouses for them.

About 22,000 people have been provided with work opportunities in cultivation, collection and transportation of onion, he added.

According to Subhani, workers are paid daily wages between 200 and 500 afghanis.

Hewad, a resident of Surkh Rud, said he was happy with jis job of collecting onion. But he urged the government to give him permanent employment in the country.

hz/mud