Basil cultivation increases in Helmand

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Farmers in southern Helmand province have started the cultivation of Raihan Flower --- Kashmali --- and an increase in its cultivation has been notice now compared to the past, an official said on Sunday.

Qari Mohammad Shafiq Mobin, programmes coordinator of the Agriculture and Livestock Department, told Pajhwok Afghan News the Basil cultivation increased now compared to the past in the province.

He said last year basil flowers were cultivated on 1,199 hectares of land which produced 2,158 tonnes of yield but this year the crop is cultivated on 1,432 hectares of land produced 2,391 tonnes of yield, adding that there was 232 tonnes of increase in basil yield this seasons.

He said: “Its cultivation and yield has increased, its expenditure is less while profit is high, last year thousands of farmers distributed refined seed urea and awareness and the same things planned for this year.”

Farmers who cultivated basil flower were happy with its outcome and demanded the distribution of refined seed and markets.

Sardar, the resident of Loy Manda Shna village, said: “Basil has been planted more and the yield is also high, but the big thing is the price, this year five and a half kilos are sold for 380 afs, but last year it was good, it was sold for 550 afs, our request is that the government Create a good market for the produce.”

Basil flower is used in perfume, medicines production as well as in food to produce good taste.

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