KABUL (Pajhwok): Experts and farmers in several provinces of the country have highlighted improvements in agriculture following recent rainfall, describing it as an opportunity to revive vegetation cover and reduce the impacts of drought.
The Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) also confirmed the positive effects, while noting that the need for improved water management and storage remains.
From late February until last week, most provinces across the country experienced heavy rainfall and snowfall.
In recent days, citizens have shared numerous images and videos on social media showing the Kabul River, Shah wa Aroos Dam in Shakardara, Qargha Dam, Pashdan Dam in Herat and other rivers and reservoirs across the country, expressing joy over their replenishment.
However, these rains have also caused casualties and damage.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority, from 26 March to 11 April this year, 179 people were martyred, 238 injured and nine remain missing due to heavy rainfall, floods, earthquakes, house collapses and landslides in various provinces.
During this period, 1,277 houses were completely destroyed, 5,770 partially damaged and 372 kilometers of roads were also destroyed.
Despite this, farmers remain hopeful about their future cultivation and agricultural activities.
Abdul Salam, a landowner from Guzara district of Herat province, told Pajhwok that although recent rainfall does not significantly replenish groundwater and has caused financial losses and casualties in some districts of Herat and other provinces, it has brought new vitality to their farming activities.
He added that the presence of water in dams and the flow of rivers and streams is a sign of a promising agricultural year in the country.
He stated that the greening of plains and pastures following the rains has also benefited livestock.
Similarly, Abdul Karim, who has been cultivating irrigated and rain-fed wheat, potatoes, and other food crops for about 15 years in the Polzich area of Firozkoh city, the capital of Ghor province and surrounding villages, said this year’s rainfall has been highly beneficial for agriculture, as the soil, which had dried in previous years, has now become moist.
He added that due to the recent rainfall, grass and vegetation have grown in mountains and plains, benefiting livestock.
He said: “Since the rains have started falling regularly, our land has benefited greatly. There had been several consecutive years of drought with little rain and snow. Now the soil is well-moistened, soft, and requires less water.”
Abdul Karim, expressing hope for increased agricultural production, added that the water level in some wells has slightly risen and conditions have improved.
He said: “Previously, most water wells were almost dry, but now there is some water again. We hope the rains continue; otherwise, in summer the water level will drop and we will face shortages.”
He also referred to previously uncultivated land due to drought, saying: “In some areas, land that was previously dry and unused has now become suitable for farming. We plowed rain-fed land using tractors and planted wheat. God willing, we hope to benefit from it this year. We cultivated 23 jeribs of land this year that we had not used in previous years, and the wheat has already sprouted, which has made us very happy.”
He also called for the construction of dams and water reservoirs in various parts of the province.
Meanwhile, Hidayatullah, a farmer in Rukha district of Panjshir province, said that frequent rainfall this month has significantly eased drought conditions and raised water levels in rivers, streams, and canals.
According to him, most people in Panjshir are engaged in agriculture and livestock farming, and the rainfall is beneficial for both present and future needs.
He added: “Unfortunately, recent rains have damaged mud houses, but fortunately there have been no human casualties.”
Sharifullah, a farmer in Tani district of Khost province, said that recent rainfall has increased water in canals and will improve crop yields.
Fawad, a resident of Shakardara district of Kabul province, said that the water level of Shah wa Aroos Dam has increased and recent rains could help mitigate drought conditions.
He noted that it is now essential to properly manage stored water so that its benefits reach the population.
Fawad said: “Without water, we cannot have proper agriculture or grow certain crops. God willing, this year we will see abundant fruits and vegetables.”
Expert: despite causing problems, recent rainfall was not unusual
Sayed Mohammad Suleimankhel, an environmental expert, described the recent rainfall as normal, saying: “Because Afghanistan has experienced consecutive years of drought, people think these rains are excessive and causing many problems.”
In his view, although the recent rainfall has created challenges for people, satellite data shows that vegetation cover in the country has improved significantly and rain-fed lands have been revived.
He described the rains as a blessing for the germination and growth of wheat for farmers and added: “At the same time, we have witnessed damage or vulnerable ecosystems that could not develop due to drought, and these ecosystems are now recovering.”
According to him, when rainfall is continuous in a country that has experienced long-term drought, reduced soil moisture can lead to surface runoff and flash floods.
He added that flowing water can carry topsoil from one area to another and also cause soil erosion.
Suleimankhil stressed: “The good thing is that we should use these rains as an opportunity, especially in flood-prone areas. Small check dams should be built there through voluntary efforts of local councils and residents to collect water.”
MoEW: Rainfall was beneficial but not sufficient
Qari Matiullah Abid, spokesperson for the MoEW, told Pajhwok that recent rainfall has been useful in reducing drought pressure but is by no means sufficient.
According to him, most small and large dams have been filled due to these rains, and water is stored as snow and ice in high mountains, which will melt during the year and prove beneficial.
He added that since the return of the Islamic Emirate, the ministry has constructed 163 check dams across the country, which has had significant positive impacts.
Abid said that Qargha Dam is one of the important structures for groundwater recharge, and it has fortunately been filled during the recent rainfall.
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