The alarming drop in groundwater levels in Kunduz is affecting farmers across the province. Residents and farmers in several districts report that well water levels have fallen to unprecedented lows compared to previous years.
Najibullah, a local farmer, explained that the water in wells around his area has decreased significantly over the past few years. He added that wells which previously provided water at shallow depths are now either dry or cannot supply enough water to irrigate his fields.
According to him, this situation has forced him to leave part of his farmland uncultivated.
“If it doesn’t rain and there is no water—just like last year when the rice crops failed—people in Kunduz didn’t get proper yields. When harvests fail, prices go up. Without water and rainfall, farmers face a tough situation.” He said.
Two other farmers named Rafiullah and Azim Gul told Salam Watandar that the water shortage has directly impacted their families’ agricultural income. They reported that crop yields have fallen sharply compared to previous years. To access water, they have had to rely on more powerful pumps, the fuel and electricity costs of which are beyond the means of many farmers.
Rafiullah explained, “For this reason, we dig deep wells. Our crops—wheat, vegetables, and others that need water—are at risk, so we are forced to dig deeper.”
Azim Gul also said that, in the past, wells could provide water at just four or five meters.
“Now the water level drops day by day. People use a lot of water, and the wells dry up. Irrigation becomes impossible. Where is the institute to help? Sometimes our wells have water, sometimes they don’t. No one has helped, neither by digging new wells nor by doing anything else,” he said.
Payenda Mohammad Naeemi, a water expert in Kunduz, attributed the decline in groundwater to several factors. He said that reduced rainfall in recent years, climate change, overuse of deep wells, and poor water management are the main reasons behind the crisis.
He also recommended for local residents: “Even small amounts of snow or rainfall should be absorbed into the ground instead of flowing out of our borders. If we can direct rooftop runoff to areas where it can soak in, it will help recharge groundwater. Additionally, small dams can be built along waterways to slow floodwaters using stones and trees, helping to store water locally.”
Salahuddin Wahedi, Director of Agricultural Affairs at the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock in Kunduz, said that programs have been launched to support farmers, promote water-efficient irrigation methods, and help adapt to water scarcity. However, he acknowledged that financial and technical challenges make these programs difficult to implement.
He emphasized, “We have always advised farmers to avoid excessive irrigation and to choose crops under the guidance of the Department of Agriculture. This ensures that enough water is available so all farms across Kunduz can benefit.”
Abdul Hakim Haji Hekmat, General Director of the ″Panj Amu River Basin″, also noted that groundwater levels have dropped noticeably in recent years. He warned that without strict control over deep wells, the crisis could become even more severe.
“We haven’t been idle. Programs have been launched, including the construction of checkdams across Afghanistan. Small dams are being built to store water and help recharge groundwater. For Kunduz, Takhar, and Baghlan, we have started a study for two large dams: ‘Kelagai’ Dam and ‘Kokcha-Sufla’ Dam.” He said.
It has been said that without immediate, coordinated, and effective action to manage water resources, the future of agriculture and the livelihoods of thousands of families in Kunduz is at serious risk. If the crisis is not addressed now, it could lead to irreversible consequences in the coming years.
Reporter: Abdulhasib Hasas
