Zarghona, 35 years old, mother of three children from Narang district in Kunar, transformed her life through a simple act: growing vegetables.
Three years ago, she joined a women’s agricultural training program and planted a small vegetable garden at home. She says, “I wanted to grow fresh vegetables for my family and not depend on the market.” For her, the garden is more than just a source of food—it has become a symbol of self-reliance and a fresh start for her family.
She grows vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, spinach, and chili peppers, and she also has grape and orange trees that are now bearing fruit. Zarghona tends to her garden twice a day—after the Morning Prayer until 9 a.m., and again in the late evenings.
Her hard work has paid off. “Now fresh vegetables come straight from our garden to our home,” she says. “When the harvest is bigger, I sell the extra and earn about 3,000 Afghanis each season.” She credits her family for helping her keep this work going: “My husband encourages me, and my children sometimes help with watering and harvesting.”
Of course, her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Limited water, insect infestation on crops and the lack of good-quality seeds often reduce her yield and income. Still, she hopes that support from Kunar’s Department of Agriculture—like better water access, quality seeds, and pest-control supplies—could help women farmers earn more. “Before, we relied only on my husband’s income, but now I can contribute too,” she says. “Women in other villages are also interested in starting similar gardens.”
Looking ahead, Zarghona plans to expand her garden and grow ornamental flowers alongside her vegetables. She believes that with the right resources, not only can her family’s needs be met, but she could also sell more products in the market. “I hope the day comes when women’s product reaches the market on a larger scale,” she says.
Finally, she has an inspiring message for other women: “Start with a small garden—you’ll see how it can change your life.”
In Kunar, agriculture is still one of the main sources of income, and women are taking a bigger role than ever before. Home gardens and small-scale farming help them become more self-reliant. Even though challenges like water shortages, pests, and poor-quality seeds remain, many women are determined to support their families and make a difference.
Reporter: Shaima Sediqi
