GHAZNI CITY (SW) – A number of gardeners in Ghazni say that their fruit harvests have decreased due to their lack of knowledge about standard tree grafting techniques and the absence of proper tools.
Bakht Mohammad, a gardener in Ghazni city, explained that he uses traditional methods for grafting his trees, which has negatively affected his crop yields. He added, “Gardeners don’t know the right time to graft. We have not been educated on this. Grafting at the wrong time damages the trees and reduces the yield.”
Another gardener, Juma Khan, shared that he uses basic tools for grafting his trees. “I learned to graft trees using the old method, with simple and primitive tools. If grafting is not done properly, the trees dry up.”
These gardeners called on the Directorate of Agriculture in Ghazni to provide training on proper grafting techniques and distribute the necessary tools.
Tree grafting is considered an essential method for increasing the diversity of fruit yields, and when done correctly, it can improve both the quantity and quality of the crops.
On the other hand, Mohammad Zakaria Hotak, the general director of plant protection at the directorate of agriculture, stated that they have training programs in place for grafting trees and pruning branches.
“The directorate is running various programs to establish fruit orchards and raise awareness among gardeners. Gardeners will receive both practical and theoretical training through these programs,” he said.
Moreover, some agricultural experts argue that standardizing tree grafting methods will increase tree resilience, improve crop quantity and quality, and reduce plant diseases.
Mohammad Ebrahim Forutan, an agricultural expert based in Ghazni, emphasized that grafting should begin in the month September to prevent damage from cold weather. “Properly grafted trees produce uniform fruits that sell well in the market. Given the climate in Ghazni, grafting should be done at the right time. If done in April or May, the cold winter will damage the trees.”
Apples, plums, grapes, and almonds are some of the most important products of Ghazni’s orchards, which not only meet the needs of the province but are also exported to neighboring regions.
