GARDEZ (SW) – Rampant non-regulated digging of deep wells combined with ragging drought have severely affected crops in Paktia province.
Nematullah, a resident of Zarmat district of Paktia province, told Salam Watandar that the wheat yield of his fields has dropped 40 per cent due to shortage of water. Shamsullah, another resident of the province, said up to seven deep wells in a village close to the provincial capital, Gardez, have dried up. He urged the Paktia residents to be extra careful in spending water.
In views of Waleed Ahmad Tassal, director agriculture, irrigation and livestock, the problem is of grim nature as it is directly affecting the livelihood of the residents severely. He added the underground water levels have dropped drastically affecting up to 55 per cent residents of the province.
He added plans are in sight to collect and store rain and snow water in the future to avoid such situations in the future.
Meanwhile, owners of a number of private water supply companies insist their clients have increased amid rapid urbanization in Gardez, and they are forced to meet the growing demand with deeper wells.
ENDS
