Laghman walnut harvest nearly doubles this year

MEHTHARLAM (Pajhwok): Walnut harvest has nearly doubled in eastern Laghman province compared to the previous year, says the Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock Department.

Eng. Toryalay Paigham, head of the forest section in agriculture department, told Pajhwok Afghan News that this year, a total of 373 tons of walnuts were collected from 455 hectares of forest in Alishang, Dawlat Shah, and Alingar districts of the province.

He said that last year, only 193 tons of walnuts had been collected from the same area, indicating a nearly twofold increase this year.

However, walnuts traders say although the harvest has increased, the market has been affected by imported hazelnuts.

Dost Mohammad, a resident of Dawlat Shah district and a walnut trader, said that last year, a seven-kilogram of walnuts fetched 1,000 afghanis, but now it is being sold for 600 afghanis.

He added, “As long as walnut imports from China, the United States, and Germany continue, the market for our local product will remain depressed.”

Similarly, Mohammad Haroon, a resident of Alishing district and another walnut trader, called on the government to find international markets for their products.

According to the forest department, Laghman province has a total of 113,000 hectares of forest land, of which only 455 hectares contain walnut trees.

sa/ma