Helmand produces 32 tonnes of milk daily

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): The Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Department says 32 tonnes of milk are produced daily across 73 farms in southern Helmand province.

Shah Mohammad Khan, an official of the department, told Pajhwok Afghan News these 73 livestock farms collectively produced an average of 32 tonnes of milk a day.

Khan said the milk was sold in Helmand and sent to neighbouring provinces, includingNimroz, Kandahar and Farah.

According to him, the department supports cattle farmers with animal feed and vaccination.

Additionally, efforts are underway to establish a milk-processing factory in the province. Preliminary work has already been completed.

Farmers with dairy cattle operations, however, expressed concerns about the challenges they face. They believe with greater support in terms of location, feed and vaccinations, their milk production capacity could double.

Abdul Hadi, a farmer from the Bolan area of the third district of Lashkargah, said he had invested 80 million afghanis in his farm.

He is currently facing significant losses due to inadequate vaccination, which has led to high cattle mortality rates.

Furthermore, he grumbled low milk prices and the high cost of medicine and vaccines were exacerbating his financial position.

Currently, the price of one kilogram of milk in Lashkargah stands at 20 afghanis, a rate that leaves many farmers struggling to cover their costs.

They want the government and investors to assist them in developing milk-processing facilities to enhance their economic viability.

In response, Shah Mohammad Khan reiterated the department's commitment to establishing a milk-processing factory in the province.

The initial stages of the project have been completed, and the required machinery is already in place.

sa/mud