Hundreds hired to guard pistachio forests in Badghis

FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): Eyeing a two-fold surge in pistachio yield this year, officials said hundreds of guards have been hired to secure forests from illegal harvesting in Badghis province.

Based on a survey conducted by provincial authorities, pistachio production could see a two-fold increase this year, Agriculture Director Abdul Hai Munir told Pajhwok Afghan News.

According to Munir, over 7,000 tonnes of pistachio was collected last year from forests across the province. The yield could double to 14,000 tonnes this year, he said.

The expected spike in pistachio production was linked to a favourable cold weather and an absence of pest attacks this year, the official explained.

He said: “In a coordinated effort between the police headquarters and provincial authorities, 400 guards have been appointed to prevent premature pistachio harvest.”

Some local people, meanwhile, hailed the step taken by the Agriculture Department.

Badghis resident Mohammad Hashim said: “Pistachio is part of our agricultural wealth. It must not be harvested before it ripens, because it amounts to the loss of this wealth. The government should ensure the pistachio is harvested only after it ripens.”

By the same token, the locals must cooperate with the government on preventing premature pistachio harvest, he stressed.

Habibullah said: “For years, pistachio was harvested raw and sold at a dirt-cheap price. It did not bring the locals any profit. The government must guard the forests until the pistachio ripens. Anyone involved in premature harvest inflicts a loss on the entire nation.”

University teacher Moazzam Haqmal said: “The harvest of pistachio before time causes problems such as the loss of quality and price fall. If harvested unripe, the pistachio seed shrinks, which entails financial losses. No one should be allowed to collect it before too early.”

The authorities must do all they could to stop unscrupulous elements from converging on forests to harvest pistachio, the lecturer concluded.

aw/mud