A number of farmers in Kunduz told Salam Watandar that climate change and the continued use of chemical fertilizers have created challenges for traditional farming methods.
Sohrab, a farmer in Kunduz, said that in recent years the productivity of his land has declined compared to the past. He added that land which used to produce good crops with limited fertilizer use and sufficient water now requires more fertilizer and irrigation to achieve the same yield.
“There have been many changes. In previous years, our yields were very high, and rainfall was abundant. There was a time when we didn’t use any fertilizer, but now even though we apply fertilizer, our yields have declined compared to the past. The production decreases year by year. We also use the main fertilizers, and compared to the past, fertilizer use has increased, yet our yields have continued to drop,” he said.
Samiullah, another farmer in Kunduz, said that decreased rainfall in recent months has caused the land to dry out more quickly, increasing the need for frequent irrigation. He added that the continued use of chemical fertilizers has also raised concerns about declining soil quality and agricultural productivity.
“This year, the wheat is drying out as well. Water is very little, and in the past, we used only a small amount of fertilizer. Now our soil has become poor in quality. It has already spoiled, because we are using so much fertilizer, the wheat is not yielding much,” he said.
Matiullah, another farmer in Kunduz, said that as the situation continues, they are facing serious economic problems. He added that rising costs of fertilizer, water, and other agricultural inputs have made him doubt whether he can continue cultivating his land. He is calling for more support and greater awareness from the responsible authorities.
“Our request to the government is to provide us with quality fertilizers and also supply good agricultural chemicals for our lands. They should first test the fertilizer, and then provide the appropriate fertilizer and chemicals. They should also provide improved seeds so that we can achieve a good harvest from our land,” he said.
Shafiullah Hamidi, an agricultural expert in Kunduz, told Salam Watandar that the continuous and excessive use of chemical fertilizers can alter the natural structure of the soil and reduce its productivity over time. He added that the combination of climate change and overuse of chemical fertilizers may lead to soil erosion and declining fertility in the future.
He emphasized, “There are many recommendations for farmers, the most important of which is to use organic fertilizers and modern irrigation methods. If they have the ability, they should adopt the good techniques. We do have little water in our country, so it should not be used excessively, as it causes their plants to drown, reduce oxygen availability, and waste water. Additionally, gardeners and farmers can use lime sulfur and winter oils in their gardens, which are currently widely used in cities. These methods help increase crop yield and improve the survival of plants and orchards.”
Meanwhile, Salahuddin, head of agricultural affairs at the Kunduz Department of Agriculture, said programs are underway to raise farmers’ awareness about proper fertilizer use and sustainable agricultural practices. According to him, these programs include farmer training on soil management, appropriate fertilizer application, and adaptation to climate change.
“Recently, in the field of soil science, a team from the Ministry of Agriculture came, and they collected soil samples from Kunduz. God willing, after laboratory analysis, the results will be shared with farmers so they can use only the fertilizers and nutrients their soil actually needs,” he said.
Experts believe that if proper management of soil and water resources, along with farmer training, is not seriously pursued, the continuation of this trend could cause Kunduz agriculture to face even greater challenges in the coming years.
