‘70pc Takhar rain-fed land to produce no crop due to drought’

TALOQAN (Pajhwok): Seventy percent of the rain-fed land measuring 350 hectors will not produce any yield this year in northern Takhar province due to drought, an official said on Tuesday.

Agriculture Director Mawlavi Abdul Rahim Ahadi told Pajhwok Afghan News efforts were on to support drought-affected farmers with the help of aid giving NGOs.

Some farmers also acknowledged this year’s rain-fed land may not produce any crop due to drought.

Khal Mohammad, one of the farmers, said this year he cultivated over two tonnes of wheat on tens of acres of land.

He said drought took away everything from him and he may not be able to compensate his expenses. He urged government to support him.

Mohammad Hussain, another farmer, said he could not afford to cultivate rain-fed land in the future.

According to the Agriculture Department, 80 percent of Takhar land is suitable for rain-fed cultivation and most people earn their livelihood through this way.

nh/ma