KUNDUZ CITY (SW) – A number of farmers in Kunduz province say that due to various factors, especially climate change, cotton yields in the region have significantly decreased.
These farmers report that they have spent substantial resources on harvesting their crops, yet the results are unsatisfactory. Many farmers in Kunduz attribute the decline in cotton yields to climate change, water scarcity, and an increase in plant diseases and pests.
Wahidullah, a farmer from Kunduz, told Salam Watandar that his cotton yield this year has decreased compared to previous years. He believes climate changes are the main factor behind the reduction in cotton harvests on his farm.
“I planted cotton on about three and a half jeribs of land, and from one jerib, I harvested only 25 to 35 ‘seers’ (set of 7kg). This year, the harvest was much lower compared to last year, and the climate had an impact on this,” he explained.
Mujibullah, another cotton farmer in Kunduz, says that factors such as unequal water distribution, dust, and plant diseases have contributed to the reduced cotton yields in the province.
He added: “climate change is definitely the cause. Last year, the weather was good, and we had a good harvest. This year, the weather was irregular; sometimes it rained, sometimes there were storms and dust. This caused our cotton crops not to yield as well. Unfortunately, we don’t have access to enough water, and the water that is available is not properly distributed.”
Jawid, who also cultivated cotton, said: “We ask the Directorate of Agriculture to assist us professionally in cotton cultivation, to organize workshops so we can improve our cotton harvests.”
Faridullah Totakhil, the Director of Extension at the Kunduz Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock stated that this year, 4,955 hectares of land in the province were planted with cotton, resulting in a total harvest of 10,405.6 tons of cotton. He adds that cotton is a crop that is directly impacted by climate changes.
“Cotton’s yield has decreased this year. It is worth mentioning that the directorate and its agricultural extension partners have provided farmers with initial guidance on climate changes and their impacts on agriculture. Technical advice on combating pests and plant diseases has also been provided,” he said.
in addition, Khalilullah Khaliq, a university professor and agricultural expert, suggests farmers to consider the timing of their planting and consult with agricultural specialists to mitigate the impacts of climate change and increase their yields.
“The planting time should be determined with the advice of specialists in the field. Even a one-day or two-day difference in planting can make a significant difference in the yield.”
Cotton is one of the most important agricultural products of Afghanistan, part of which is consumed internally, as well as, exported. Lately, the Economic Deputy Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate announced that Afghanistan exported $162 million worth of cotton in the nine months of this year (from January to the end of September of 2024).
