SHEBERGHAN (Pajhwok): Vegetable drying machines worth around 2.5 million afghanis have been distributed to 128 farmers across several districts of northern Jawzjan province.
Zabihullah Khairandish, spokesman for the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, said the machines were provided to farmers in Khanaqah, Mardyan and Qarqeen districts with the support of the Afghanistan Rural Rehabilitation Administration Organisation.
He said the initiative aimed to improve farmers’ economic conditions and support the agriculture sector.
According to him, the machines—procured at a cost of about 2.5 million afghanis—will help preserve and process vegetables, reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ incomes.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Fahim, a resident of Sheberghan city, said receiving the vegetable drying machines marks a major transformation for local farmers. He said that previously a large portion of their produce was wasted due to a lack of proper facilities.
He added that the new equipment now allows farmers to dry vegetables in a standardized way and supply higher-quality products to the market. According to him, the support will not only increase their income but also provide renewed hope for improving livelihoods and developing agricultural activities in Jawzjan.
Other farmers also called for the expansion of such assistance programmes.
hz/sa
