Badghis melons yield decline, farmers urge govt support

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): Farmers in northwestern Badghis province have complained about the decline in the yield of melons this season and urged the government for support.

Melon is considered one of the famous fruits of Badghis province and the farmers earn a living by cultivating and harvesting it every year.

According to the farmers melon yield significantly decreased this season compared to last year due to acute drought.

Khoda Bakhsh, one of the farmers, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “This year he offered less melon to the market compared to the past year.”

According to him, he meets his need through melon cultivation but this year he earned very less income.

He also complained about the lack of cold storage and the lack of a suitable market and urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock to establish a market for their products so they could earn a good income.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Fahim, another farmer of the province said due to the poor economy of people, there was no market for their melons so that they earn a living.

According to Fahim, the government should establish cold storage for their products.

He added: “Most of the years our melon gets rotten, we have to give them to animals; because there is no place for storage, and on the other hand, the price of melons is low.”

However, Gul Mohammad, a resident of Badghis, said the officials must support the farmers and facilitate suitable markets for their products.

He added that Badghis melon contained high quality and had a special natural taste.

He wants the government to create a decent market for farmers so that farmers are encouraged to focus more on this product and earn better income.

Mohammad Anwar, another resident of Badghis, urged the government to support the farmers so that they could have a good income.

He added: “If farmers are encouraged and supported, they can turn to this profession more in the coming years and produce better products.”

However, Mohsen Ehsan, director of the agriculture department, they were striving to support the farmers.

He added that efforts were underway to establish cold storage for the farmers.

HZ/nh

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