FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): While climate change and drought have severely affected traditional agriculture in western Ghor province, some farmers have turned to greenhouse cultivation and drip irrigation, increasing their production. However, they complain about a lack of facilities and proper markets.
Officials in Ghor say the number of greenhouses has increased in recent years and more than 120 greenhouses equipped with drip irrigation systems are currently active in the province.
Ramazan, 37, a greenhouse farmer in Ghor, told Pajhwok Afghan News that climate change and drought have badly damaged agriculture in the province and farmers’ lands are no longer producing good yields.
He said that, in response to market demand and people’s need for vegetables, he built a greenhouse last year at a cost of 200,000 afghanis and adopted drip irrigation. “We are happy that our production has been good,” he said.
He added that each greenhouse produces between 100 and 120 kilograms of cucumbers and other vegetables daily, which are then taken to local markets after harvesting.
According to him, the high cost of agricultural chemicals and lack of awareness about plant disease prevention and diagnosis are among the main challenges for him and other greenhouse owners.
He urged authorities and relevant organizations to support greenhouse farmers by providing training programs and essential medicines.
Another greenhouse farmer, Shams-ul-Haq, 40, said greenhouse farming has become a more reliable source of income for him and many farmers in the province in recent years.
He said vegetable production in greenhouses has not only increased yields but also ensured the supply of fresh produce to markets throughout the year.
“Earlier, our income depended on one farming season, but now with greenhouses we can harvest most months of the year and earn better income,” he said.
He also complained about the lack of proper markets for agricultural products and called on authorities to support farmers by improving market access and restricting imports.
He said a kilogram of cucumber is sold for 7 to 9 afghanis, eggplant for 20 afghanis, and a bundle of lettuce or spring onion for 2 afghanis, adding that exports could significantly increase their income.
Agricultural expert Abdul Basir Sultan said expanding greenhouse farming and drip irrigation in Ghor could play an important role in increasing yields and saving water.
He said these methods are highly effective under conditions of water scarcity and can improve farmers’ incomes.
“Authorities and agricultural institutions need to transfer knowledge to greenhouse farmers, provide necessary fertilizers and medicines, and guide them so they can achieve better production,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zia-ul-Haq Joya, spokesman for the Ghor Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, said the number of greenhouses has increased compared to the past.
He said more than 120 greenhouses have been established and registered in the province, where around 500 farmers are engaged in cultivating vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, okra, mint, and other crops.
He added that efforts are ongoing to further expand greenhouse farming and that necessary guidance is being provided to farmers to improve quality and increase yields.
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