UN distributes improved seeds, fertilisers to thousands of Kunduz farmers

KUNDUZ -- To support farmers affected by drought in Kunduz, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has begun distributing improved seeds and chemical fertiliser to 25,000 farmers in Kunduz province.

The project is funded by FAO and implemented by the Organisation for Relief Development (ORD).

In addition to Kunduz, the provincial capital, farmers in nine districts -- Aliabad, Khanabad, Chahar Dara, Dasht-i-Archi, Imam Sahib, Qala Zal, Kalbad, Gul Tipa and Aqtash -- are covered by the project, according to Amanullah Hassan, director of Kunduz Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL).

"The distribution process started in late October and will continue until late November in the provincial capital and districts," he said on November 2. "Each farmer will receive 50kg of improved seeds, 50kg of urea and 50kg of DAP [di-ammonium phosphate] fertilisers for free."

"The distribution of seeds and fertilisers has been completed in Khanabad, Aliabad, Dasht-i-Archi and Aqtash districts, and it is ongoing in the remaining districts so that all farmers can benefit from this support," he said.

"The timing of the assistance is critical as farmers are starting to cultivate wheat seeds," he added.

"The distribution of the chemical fertiliser and improved seed will help farmers increase their yields," Rahimullah Khurami, director of ORD in Kunduz, told Salaam Times.

The improved wheat seed is of high quality, and compared to last year, it will help increase yields on each 0.2 hectare of land by 140 to 280kg.

"As instructed, the farmers should first spread DAP fertiliser, then the improved seed, and then urea fertiliser on their lands to help increase their yields," he said.

More and better yields

Farmers in Kunduz have welcomed the assistance, saying that rain-fed and irrigated lands have been affected by repeated natural disasters and droughts in recent years.

The assistance is very timely and has brought hopes of increased yields next season, said Baz, 40, a farmer and resident of Aqtash district who goes by his first name only.

"I received two sacks of fertiliser and one sack of wheat seed. I am confident that my yields next year will be higher," Baz said.

"It did not rain in February and March last year, which affected many farmers," he added.

Baz is hopeful that with the chemical fertiliser and improved seeds he will harvest up to 840kg of wheat from 0.2 hectare of land.

"Farmers are facing major economic challenges at the moment. We can't afford chemical fertiliser since the cost of each sack of fertiliser is 4,000 AFN ($45) at the market," said Mohammad Tahir, 54, another farmer from Chogha village of Khanabad district.

There is a huge difference between improved and regular wheat seeds, according to Tahir. Improved seeds cultivated on 0.2 hectare of land could yield up to 840kg of wheat while regular seeds yield about 560kg.

"The more farmers receive assistance, the better chance they will have at improving their economic situation and livelihood," he said.

The prolonged war in Afghanistan has been the main factor behind the deterioration of agriculture, Ataullah, 62, another farmer in Dasht-i-Archi district who goes by his first name, said.

"Now that we have received fertilisers and improved seeds, we can cultivate our lands and recover the losses we have suffered," he said.

"Farmers and livestock owners have suffered the most losses from the war," he added.

Grain shortage

Wheat and flour prices have gone up in Kunduz and throughout Afghanistan since last year, leaving most families facing a harsh winter.

Families who have lost their income are faced with the risk of hunger, said Shamsuddin Munawar, 34, a resident of Kunduz city.

"Unfortunately, poverty and unemployment in the country have gone up while increasing food prices are further worsening the situation in winter," he said.

"Wheat was exported for many years from Kunduz to other provinces, but now residents of Kunduz face wheat shortages," Munawar said.

Kunduz DAIL is trying to control wheat prices in the market so that families do not face grain shortages during the upcoming winter, said Hassan, director of Kunduz DAIL.

"We are trying to improve the agriculture sector and Afghans' livelihoods as well as to avoid market manipulations and price hikes," he said.