Strawberry yield estimated at 225 tons in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Department of northern Balkh province says strawberry crop is cultivated on 75 acres of land in the province, which is estimated to produce 225 tons of the fruit this year.

Mohammad Hussain Azimi, an official of the Agriculture Department, told Pajhwok Afghan News strawberries were cultivated on 75 acres of land in Dawltabad, Balkh, Sholgara and Nahri Shahi districts of the province.

He said 225 tons of yield was expected this year compared to last year’s 100 tons. This year’s estimate shows more than 100 percent increase.

Meanwhile, farmers were also happy with the yield of strawberries in the province.

Mohammad Nasir, a farmer in Balkh district, said he had been cultivating strawberries on his 1.5 acres of land since last three years.

He was happy with the harvest.

He linked the increase in strawberry yield with consecutive rains this year.

Allah ddin, another farmer, said he cultivated strawberries on his one acre of land.

He said: “The government should build cold storages and other necessary facilities for preservation of strawberries in addition to finding market for their harvest.”

kk/ma