MAZAR-I-SHARIF (SW) – Aloe vera is fast becoming the popular plant of choice for farmers in Balkh province where it is also rapidly replacing poppy cultivation.
According to the local directorate of agriculture, irrigation and livestock, efforts are underway to promote Aloe Vera alongside saffron to replace poppy cultivation here. Officials said up to 70 people have got jobs thanks to some 5000 hectors of Aloe Vera cultivation in this province.
Zabihullah Zoben, Deputy Chairman for the directorate of agriculture, irrigation and livestock, said this plant has earned farmers an estimated AFN 1.4 million per hector while as poppy can earn them only around AFN 120,000 per hector. He added this plant requires much less hard work and has a good market internationally.
Officials in Balkh aim to further promote this plant in a number of neighboring provinces as well.
It is found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns.
Hassan Jafari, head of the greenhouse gardens’ association in Balkh, said in this regard that Aloe Vera has been planted on some 10 jeribs of land. He said one leaf of this plant is sold against an estimated $ 2 to India. He said many more farmers are willing to plant it and help improve national economy.
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