Balkh’s soybean yield estimated at 1,000 tonnes

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Department estimates northern Balkh province is expected to produce at 1,000 tonnes of soybean in 2024, showing a two-fold surge over last year.

Mohammad Hussain Azimi, an official of the department, told Pajhwok Afghan News the soybean crop had been cultivated on 300 hectares of land in Kaldar, Balkh, Sholgara, Dehdadi and Nahr Shahi districts of the province.

He recalled last year soybean had been cultivated on 250 hectares of land and each hectare had produced nearly two tonnes of soyabean.

The official estimated each hectare of land would produce three tonnes this year. He linked the spike in soybean yield to favorable weather conditions, including rains.

The interest of farmers in soybean cultivation has increased since a private company in the province started purchasing the produce.

Mohammad Afzal Afzali, chief of the company, said they were also providing farmers with improved seeds and chemical fertilizers in addition to purchasing their yield.

He said his firm was using soybean for producing cooking oil and fish feed.

On the other hand, farmers are also happy over the spike in this year’s soybean harvest.

Gul Ahmad, a grower from Sholgara district, said he had been sowing soybean crops on his land over the last three years.

Mohammad Amin, another farmer, also voiced satisfaction with his soybean yield. He hoped the authorities concerned would encourage growers.

However, he asked the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to find a suitable and gainful domestic market for the crop.

kk/mud