GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): With the increase in cucumber farms in southern Ghazni province, farmers say a lack of proper markets and falling prices have seriously affected their businesses, leaving many unable to even cover production costs.
The number of cucumber farms in Ghazni has increased in recent years, but growers say weak market access and low prices have negatively impacted their income.
Noorullah, a farmer in the province, told Pajhwok Afghan News that although cucumber farming had become an important source of income for many families, poor market conditions had created major challenges for growers.
He explained each farm employed six to seven workers and farmers used pesticides and chemical fertilisers. However, when the harvest reached the market, about seven kilogrammes of cucumbers sold for only 40 to 45 afghanis.
According to him, the price does not even cover basic production costs.
He noted cucumber production had increased in Ghazni, but demand remained low, causing prices to fall significantly.
Noorullah called on the Agriculture Department to help find suitable domestic and international markets for their produce.
He warned that if the relevant departments failed to address the issue, many farmers might abandon cucumber farming in the coming years.
He added that if domestic products were ignored, imported cucumbers would dominate the market and be sold at higher prices.
Azizullah, another farmer, described cucumber farming as a key source of income for many families, but said weak market conditions had raised concerns among growers.
He stressed that if proper market opportunities were created for local produce, not only would cucumber production increase, but more people would also gain employment opportunities.
“We have invested a lot of effort in our farms and work day and night, but when we take our produce to market, it is sold at very low prices. If this situation continues, farmers will suffer heavy losses,” he said.
Economic experts also stress the importance of timely marketing of agricultural products and the establishment of storage facilities.
Economic analyst Ibrahim Taj told Pajhwok Afghan News that without proper market access and storage facilities, farmers would suffer losses and the agriculture sector would be negatively affected.
He emphasised that supporting domestic products, expanding exports and building cold storage facilities could significantly ease farmers’ economic challenges.
Meanwhile, Qari Zakaria Hotak, spokesperson for the Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Department, said around 2,500 cucumber farms were currently operating in Ghazni city, producing nearly 115,000 metric tonnes of cucumbers last year.
He explained Ghazni cucumbers were previously exported to Pakistan, but due to restrictions and border closures, the market had weakened, negatively affecting farmers’ income.
Hotak added the Agriculture Department was working with relevant institutions to find new domestic and international markets for cucumbers.
Ghazni is one of the provinces where greenhouses and agricultural farms have expanded in recent years, and cucumbers are considered among its key agricultural products, supporting the livelihoods of dozens of families.
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