Herat expert out to modernize agriculture thru improved seeds

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): A prominent agricultural figure in western Herat province, drawing on years of experience in the field, is striving to modernise traditional farming by promoting and distributing improved quality seed varieties.

Agriculture in Herat, as in many other parts of Afghanistan, has long been carried out using traditional methods and local experience.

Limited access to improved seeds, a lack of technical and professional know-how and the absence of modern farming practices have kept productivity low and restricted farmers’ livelihoods.

Under these circumstances, several agricultural pioneers are working to increase production, improve crop quality and introduce new farming techniques to shift traditional agriculture towards innovation and modernisation.

One such individual is Mohammad Arif, who, with his long-standing experience and close cooperation with local farmers, is striving to bring about real change to Herat’s agriculture.

His goal is to help farmers significantly increase both productivity and crop quality through the use of improved quality seeds and scientific methods.

Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, Mohammad Arif said that the future of Afghanistan’s agriculture lies in the use of improved seeds and modern farming techniques.

According to him, these seeds should possess qualities such as drought and disease resistance and the ability to produce high yields in both irrigated and rain-fed lands.

He is now promoting the use of such seeds among farmers to boost land productivity and improve family livelihoods. So far, he has mobilised more than 110 farmers and distributed about 30 tonnes of improved seeds among them. Mohammad Arif said these seeds are of much higher quality than ordinary ones, with a 98 per cent germination rate, compared to less than 80 per cent for traditional seeds. Moreover, flour produced from improved wheat is also of better quality.

His activities are not confined to one specific area, he works across six districts of the province — Karukh, Injil, Pashtun Zarghun, Guzara, Zindajan and Ghorian.

He believes that expanding these efforts at the district level helps familiarise more farmers with modern agricultural practices.

He added that progress has already been made in the field of improved seeds, including the identification and naming of 27 different wheat varieties.

However, challenges remain. Eng. Maroof Sediqi, who holds a master’s degree in agriculture and is one of the field’s experts, described traditional farming as a major obstacle to farmers’ advancement.

He stressed that the use of improved seeds must be supervised by agricultural specialists throughout planting and harvesting to achieve the desired results.

Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz Noorzai, head of the Seed Certification Laboratory for the Western Zone, said that the production of improved seeds was increasing.

According to him, 10,000 metric tonnes of improved seeds were produced in 2023, while this year the figure rose to over 18,000 metric tonnes.

Noorzai estimated that improved seeds yield about 50 per cent more than ordinary ones. He believes that raising farmers’ awareness and strengthening their direct contact with agricultural experts will further increase the use of improved seeds.

He noted that 70 per cent of farmers in Herat province are currently using improved seeds.

He also emphasised that farmers should consult agricultural experts to combat plant diseases effectively.

However, he warned that the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides not only fails to increase yields but can sometimes have the opposite effect. In his view, the rational and scientific use of such materials — alongside improved seeds — is the key to boosting agricultural productivity.

The Seed Certification Laboratory’s management in western Afghanistan praised Mohammad Arif’s efforts, saying he continues his work with determination, not for personal financial gain, but to enable farmers in Herat and other provinces to reap the benefits of modern agriculture.

For Mohammad Arif, the green sprout emerging from the soil symbolises hope for a brighter future — a future in which Afghanistan’s agriculture not only feeds its people but also competes in regional markets.

kk/ma