POL-E ALAM CITY (SW) – Farmers in Logar province located in eastern part of Afghanistan have shifted towards cultivating cotton.
Some farmers, who previously grew potatoes, onions, and other vegetables, cite the lack of a suitable market for their produce as the reason for turning to cotton cultivation.
Bismillah, a farmer in Pol-e Alam, central Logar, previously cultivated potatoes and onions but has now dedicated half of one jeribs of the lands to cotton. He explains, “For the past two years, I have been growing cotton on my land because it requires less cost and time. The interest of farmers in cotton cultivation has increased, and we hope that the agriculture authorities will assist cotton farmers.”
On the other hand, officials from the Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Directorate in Logar report that last year, approximately 15 jeribs of land in the “Dahana-e Reg” area were cultivated with cotton.
Abdul Basir Shahed, spokesperson for the directorate, say that plans are underway to expand cotton cultivation in Logar province. “We have provided extensive support to encourage farmers, including financial assistance and chemical fertilizers. We are also working to distribute processing machines to cotton farmers,” he added.
Some agricultural experts suggest that Logar’s climate is conducive to cotton cultivation, offering farmers the opportunity to achieve good returns.
Abdullah, an agricultural expert, however emphasizes the need for the government to provide training to farmers for increasing cotton yields and marketing strategies.
He adds: “Farmers do not have proper knowledge about planting cotton and need training. The directorate of agriculture should train them and help farmers in the field of marketing.”
Turning to cotton cultivation in Logar reflects a strategic shift among farmers, which can be facilitated by support from agricultural authorities.
The farmers in Logar province also request the government to provide education to them on how better cultivate cotton.
