A number of farmers and greenhouse vegetable growers in Bagram district of Parwan, say that winter vegetable production is mostly small-scale and traditional. They explain that the lack of protective facilities has caused them significant losses. Most of their fields are open to the elements, and they face severe cold, repeated frost, and no heating systems, which reduce both the quantity and quality of their crops.
Mir Hassan, a local greenhouse vegetable grower, shares his experience, saying, “We grow mint, cabbage, lettuce, coriander, tomatoes—most vegetables you can think of. We cover our greenhouses with plastic ourselves to prevent freezing. Even so, it’s barely enough for our own household. There’s no surplus for the market. If donors could help build bigger greenhouses, we could produce enough to sell.”
Another greenhouse grower, Qaher Rabati, adds, “In winter, I grow leeks, mint, and coriander. We heat the greenhouse using heater or gas and cover it with plastic. Using animal manure and organic fertilizers helps the vegetables grow better and keeps the soil warm. But fungal diseases like powdery mildew are a constant challenge. The authorities should provide technical guidance, train extension workers, make improved seeds accessible, and stop the import of hybrid seeds.”
Farmers point out several major challenges: the harsh cold and prolonged frost, high costs of building and maintaining greenhouses, shortage of good-quality plastic and heating systems, increasing pests and fungal diseases, limited capital and access to agricultural loans, lack of organized markets, and fluctuating prices.
Agricultural experts say that winter vegetable farming cannot develop without sustained and targeted support.
Ahmad Zubair Qazizada, a horticulture and gardening specialist, explains, “To grow these vegetables in winter, greenhouses need to be heated. For crops like cabbage, lettuce, and cauliflower, we can use proper fertilizer and irrigation management and plant cold-resistant varieties. When heat, humidity, and light are maintained, irrigation can be less frequent.”
Meanwhile, buyers recognize the quality of locally produced vegetables but complain about unstable supply and high prices.
Arab Shah Salim, a vegetable buyer, says, “We need cold storage, greenhouses, and government support. For example, okra grown locally in the warm season costs 40–50 Afghanis for ten seers, but in winter, one kilogram of okra costs as much as one kilogram of chicken.”
Despite these challenges, officials at the Parwan Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock say they have been working to improve the situation. They report that programs such as distributing improved seeds, conducting short-term trainings, establishing demonstration farms, and providing technical advice have been implemented.
Neyaz Mohammad Tayeb, head of agricultural affairs, says, “Vegetable production in Parwan reaches about 179,046.5 metric tons. Farmers’ knowledge of standard cultivation methods is around 70 percent, and half of the vegetables—lettuce, cabbage, and other vegetables are sold to domestic markets within the provinces.”
Both experts and farmers stress that the future of winter vegetable farming depends on expanding standard greenhouses with government and partner support, increasing hands-on training, providing affordable agricultural inputs, and establishing cold storage, packaging centers, and organized markets. They believe these steps could boost production, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imported vegetables.
