Agriculture

Around 600 laying hen farms have a daily production of one million eggs at the moment which has met more than half of the needs of the domestic market.

This year, about 600 tonnes of honey was produced in bee farms across eastern Nangarhar province, officials said on Monday.

Afghanistan saffron has been ranked number one in the world for the ninth time by the International Taste and Quality Institute (iTQi) in Brussels.

Soybeans will be cultivated on over 50 acres of land in different districts of eastern Nangarhar province as part of the government’s efforts to promote the cultivation of East Asian crop.

The Agriculture Department of eastern Nangarhar expects this year’s watermelon harvest in the province to surpass 83,000 metric tons from more than 2,000 hectares of land.

The Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Department says wheat harvest will reach 10,000 tonnes in southeastern Khost province this year.

The cultivation of asafoetida, a medicinal plant, has increased in central Daikundi province, where farmers are optimistic about the herb’s promotion.

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.

Acting Agriculture Minister Attaullah Umari has asked international organisations to support Afghanistan’s poppy eradication efforts, a statement said on Tuesday.

A number of livestock owners in northern Jawzjan province are pleased with adequate rainfall this year, leading to pasture growth. However, they want the agriculture department to vaccinate their animals against diseases.

Acting Minister of Energy and Water Maulvi Attullah Omari says the Afghans consume insecure food because low quality food items are being imported to the country.

The Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock Department in southeastern Khost province says about 650 tons of honey was obtained from 430 bee farms last year, but expects a decrease in the honey harvest this year.