A number of greenhouse farmers in Herat say that while greenhouse cultivation has provided opportunities to earn income and meet family needs, it has not brought economic stability for many, and they still face financial pressures, often relying on loans to run their businesses.
Naser, a greenhouse owner in the ‘Shaidaei’ area of Herat, explains that although greenhouse farming can be profitable, it hasn’t created a steady income for many in the sector.
“I’ve had a greenhouse for three years, growing cucumbers and tomatoes. It has its profits, but also its losses. That’s why I also work as a tailor,” he says.
Ali Reza, another greenhouse owner from ‘Shaidaei’, has been running his greenhouse for four years. He says that most of his expenses are covered by loans.
“There are many problems. We buy fertilizer and equipment on loan, and after the harvest, we try to pay it back. Making ends meet is still very difficult. If we received more support, we could expand, produce more, and earn more. But with limited support, it is not enough,” he explains.
Besides economic challenges, climate change is seriously affecting greenhouse farmers in this province, often making it impossible for them to continue working.
Basir Ahmad Mohammadi, another greenhouse owner from ‘Shaidaei’, lost three of his greenhouses to severe storms this year. He had invested over 500,000 Afghanis and cannot afford to rebuild them.
“This year in Shaidaei, the winds were very strong, and a storm destroyed our greenhouses. I didn’t have the money to rebuild, so I had to sell them. I ran a greenhouse for six years, and now I’m unemployed. I sell wood to pay for household expenses; I can’t build a new greenhouse,” he says.
Despite these challenges, economic experts in Herat believe that greenhouse farming has helped reduce vegetable imports and increase local production.
Mohammad Rafiq Shaheer, an economic expert, says that the expansion of greenhouse cultivation has allowed the local market to be supplied with domestic produce in many seasons.
“Greenhouses have played a major role in replacing vegetable imports from Iran, Pakistan, and even China. The expansion of greenhouse cultivation in Herat has led to a decrease in imports from these countries. Although imports continue in some seasons, the government has supported greenhouse owners by imposing high tariffs,” he adds.
Agricultural experts, however, point to the lack of specialized knowledge and modern skills as major challenges for greenhouse owners.
Mahmood Shah Haydarian, an agricultural expert in Herat, says, “In many regions, knowledge and skills are limited, and there is a strong need for updated greenhouse training, especially in disease and pest management. In terms of technology, new systems such as drip irrigation and temperature and humidity control are underused. Those working in this sector should be able to effectively use available tools, such as temperature and humidity measuring devices.”
Officials at the Herat Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock admit that their support capacity has decreased. Bashir Ahmad Ahmadi, an Extension Officer at the Department, says,
“The budget we had in previous years is no longer available, and now we rely on the national budget. The Department of Agriculture does not have enough resources to provide fertilizers or equipment to greenhouse owners. However, the Herat Department of Agriculture is fully technical and professional, and we provide guidance and introduce new technologies to greenhouse owners whenever possible,” he says.
Greenhouse cultivation in Herat is more than just an economic activity. The sustainability of this sector depends on effective government support, specialized training, and access to new technologies. When properly supported, greenhouse farming can play a vital role in strengthening domestic production and ensuring food security.
