Afghanistan harvest over 1.32m tonnes of watermelon this year
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MoAIL) says that more than 1.32 million metric tonnes of watermelon have been harvested across Afghanistan this year.
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The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MoAIL) says that more than 1.32 million metric tonnes of watermelon have been harvested across Afghanistan this year.
Farmers in western Ghor province are happy with potato yields this year despite drought conditions, but complain about the lack of cold storages to preserve the harvests.
Agriculture Department officials in northern Samangan say this year’s almond yield in the province has increased by five percent compared to last year’s harvest. However, traders and gardeners report that reduced exports have caused a decline in the market price of the dried fruit.
Orchard owners in southeastern Paktia province say their orchards yielded better yields this year compared to the previous years, but the fruits are being sold at lower prices due to the lack of a suitable market. They demanded of the government to find market and and construct cold storage facilities for their crops.
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.
About 90,000 doses of the small ruminant plague (PPR) vaccine have been distributed to veterinary clinics with financial support from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in northern Faryab province.
The third round of livestock plague vaccination has started in northern Jawzjan province, with 80,000 doses to be administered in the center and districts, an official said on Thursday.
Saira, a woman farmer in the capital of northern Jawzjan province, has provided job and income opportunities for more than 200 women by establishing an “agricultural cooperative”.
Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock department officials in central Logar province say a campaign to vaccinate 40,000 animals against plague, supported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has been launched in the province.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MoAIL) says that an Indian company, RC International, has pledged to purchase Afghan agricultural products for distribution in Indian markets.
Agriculture officials in central Logar province say this year’s grape harvest has improved, showing a 10 percent increase compared to last year.
Thirty-nine check dams have been constructed in southern Ghazni province over the past two years, helping to boost agriculture and mitigate the impacts of drought, according to farmers who report higher yields and rising groundwater levels.
A number of farmers in northern Samangan province say they incurred financial losses this year due to a sharp decline in the price of asafoetida (locally known as hing) and the lack of a proper market for the medicinal plant.
A number of landowners and farmers in western Herat province say the drip irrigation system not only drastically reduces water consumption, but also enables the cultivation of more land and leads to higher crop yields.
About 500 greenhouses have been equipped with the drip irrigation systems in northern Jawzjan province so far this year, with farmers saying their yields have increased manifold.
Experts and experienced farmers say the drip irrigation system should be promoted to irrigate large areas with minimal water, and they urge the government and aid agencies to raise public awareness in this regard and provide farmers with the necessary support.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) will construct 120 zero-energy cold storage units for onions in six provinces of Afghanistan with financial support from the World Band (WB).
Some residents and farmers in Jaghatu district of central Maidan Wardak province say severe drought has destroyed their crops and left them struggling for water. They are urging the government to build dams to address the crisis.
Apple yield in central Logar province are expected to reach 19,000 metric tons this year — a nearly five percent increase compared to last year’s harvest.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock says $192 million was invested in the agricultural sector by national and international institutions, and 235 investors were provided with investment opportunities worth over 1.4 billion afghanis last year.
The Agriculture Department in southern Kandahar province says the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is constructing 15 cold storage facilities in two districts of the province at a cost of $200,000.
Acute drought in parts of Afghanistan has psychologically impacted farmers who face serious economic hardships; with some even forced to leave their areas. They are urging the government and the international community for help.
A number of farmers in southern Ghazni province say their wheat yields significantly declined this year due to drought, calling on the government and aid organisations to provide them with drought-resistant seeds and other forms of support.
Some gardeners in western Herat province say figs, especially yellow variety, has yielded good harvests, showing a 10 percent increase, and asked the government to support them in expanding cultivation and exporting fruits.