KHOST CITY (SW) – The agricultural lands in Khost province are mainly dedicated to growing crops such as wheat, barley, and vegetables.
However, a young farmer from the Tani district, Rahmat Wali, has embarked on an innovative venture by introducing green tea plants from India and cultivating them in the district for the first time. This marks a new chapter for Khost’s agricultural landscape, as Rahmat Wali seeks to diversify crops and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
Khost province, located in the southeast of Afghanistan, has a warm and semi-arid climate, with limited water resources mainly supplied by rivers and natural springs.
Rahmat Wali explains the idea behind his green tea cultivation: “I was talking to a friend, and during our conversation, I asked him to bring me a new variety of tea. He brought green tea from India. When I planted it, the results were very promising. I wanted to serve my country.”
Rahmat Wali expresses his satisfaction with the success of green tea cultivation in Khost and encourages other farmers to innovate and introduce new crops for self-sufficiency in agriculture.
“I have other plans to bring new products to Afghanistan, and I’ve seen positive results. I’ve encouraged all farmers to import new products into the country. Everyone is turning to farming. If we don’t work for our country, progress and development will be difficult. I’ve been involved in farming since my childhood,” he said.
He emphasizes that introducing new crops can prevent the cultivation of opium poppy and create job opportunities for young people. “By bringing in new crops, we can prevent the cultivation of opium poppy and other illegal activities. People resort to theft and illegal actions out of unemployment. We urge the authorities to cultivate new varieties on state-owned lands so that even unemployed people can find work.”
Although Rahmat Wali has not received any support so far, he calls on the de-facto authorities and aid organizations to assist in providing the necessary equipment. “There has been no support from the authorities or aid organizations. Sometimes, the local officials visit and observe our products, but they have not provided any help. A tea machine is very important. Without it, the tea quality suffers. My request is that the machine be purchased so we can get better results from our product.”
Agricultural experts highlight the importance of assessing soil quality, water resources, crop types, proper equipment, pest and disease management, and labor force before planting a new crop. They suggest consulting with experts for better results in crop cultivation.
Mustafa, an agricultural expert, welcomes the green tea cultivation in Khost, saying, “When you want to grow a new crop, it is important to consult with extension officers, experienced farmers, and officials. Green tea requires a lot of water and warm weather, and Khost has a warm climate, making it suitable for green tea cultivation. Therefore, this is a great initiative, and it serves as an example for other farmers to grow it and earn a good income.”
Sher Mohammad Zabi, the head of Agriculture and Irrigation Directorate in Khost, states that they support farmers and create opportunities for further growth. “We support them, and if they need seeds, cold storage, equipment, or fertilizer, we collaborate with them. We even try to help them through the Agricultural and Livestock Cooperation Fund.”
Green tea has gained significant popularity as a beverage in Afghanistan over the years. However, this marks the first time a young individual has undertaken its cultivation in the region.
Despite the fact that most of Afghanistan’s population is engaged in agriculture, farmers face challenges due to the lack of advanced farming tools and government and institutional support.
