KANDAHAR CITY (SW) – Several farmers in Kandahar province have shifted from opium poppy cultivation to establishing pistachio orchards with significantly positive prospects.
According to the Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Directorate of Kandahar, pistachio orchards have been created on over 105 hectares across various districts in the province, with an expected yield of 116 tons of pistachios this year.
Mohammad Hanif Haqmal, the media officer for the directorate, said: “Thanks to the efforts of the Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Directorate, pistachio orchards have been established in Daman, Spin Boldak, Maiwand, Takhta Pul, Zhari, and Dand districts. We anticipate a harvest of 116 tons of pistachios from these orchards this year.”
Haqmal noted that the Kandahar Agriculture Directorate is working to expand pistachio orchards and promote them in global markets.
Farmers view pistachio cultivation as a promising alternative to opium poppy. While farmers express optimism about the profitability of pistachio farming, they urge the de-facto government to assist with marketing the fruit both domestically and internationally.
They emphasize that the cost of establishing a pistachio orchard is relatively low compared to its potential income, fostering hope for a stable revenue source.
Following the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, opium poppy cultivation has been banned in Afghanistan, prompting former poppy farmers to seek alternative crops.
