MAIDAN WARDAK (SW) – Farmers in Maidan Wardak province say change in weather patterns and long-spell of drought have hampered this season’s fruit yield here.
Abdul Jabbar Khalid, director of agriculture, irrigation and livestock in Maidan Wardak, told Salam Watandar that farmers and gardeners in the province had suffered severely from drought this year compared to previous years, and that fruit yields had fallen by 40 percent.
“The yield of Maidan Wardak fruits has dropped by about 40 percent due to the drought,” he added. “The Department of Agriculture and Livestock and institutions working with gardeners have helped, and efforts are being made to continue this assistance.”
Some residents of Maidan Wardak also say that due to the recent drought, water canals and springs have dried up, and even drinking water wells have dried up in some areas. They added that many orchards and seasonal crops are being destroyed due to lack of water, and the government should provide immediate assistance to families affected by the drought and gardeners.
Safiullah Raid, director of information and culture at Maidan Wardak, said the province’s local government was working to help areas affected by drought and rebuild gardens at risk of drying up.
Afghanistan is facing serious problems in the wake of climate change.
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