A number of farmers in Badakhshan say that this year’s rainfall has been more regular than in previous years, having a positive impact on their farmland. They say most of the province’s agricultural land is rainfed and that insufficient rainfall in recent years has led to reduced crop yields.
Nabiullah, a farmer in Badakhshan, says that droughts in recent years have reduced his harvests. However, this year’s timely and regular rainfall has had a positive impact on his farmland. At the same time, he expresses concern about the possibility of irregular rainfall later in the growing season.
“Compared to previous years, rainfall has been much more regular this year. The regular rains have greatly benefited our land, and our crops are growing well. This is especially important for rainfed fields that lack water, and Badakhshan has a large number of rainfed fields. Rainwater is extremely beneficial for cultivation and agriculture,” he says.
Juma Gul, another farmer from Darayim district, says that the timely and regular rainfall this year has brought significant improvements to the cultivation of his crops.
“Thank God, this year’s rainfall is very good, and I have cultivated a large area of rainfed crops. So far, everything looks good. It will be good if no pests or diseases affect our fields. Compared to last year, this year is much better,” he adds.
Meanwhile, Waseeq, another farmer in Badakhshan, is calling on the authorities to provide farmers with improved seeds and agricultural pesticides. He says his crops this year are in good condition and hopes they will remain protected from pests and diseases.
“We hope that no diseases or pests, such as locusts or other worms, appear and affect our cultivation. We also ask the respected authorities to pay attention to farmers, listen to their problems, and provide assistance,” he says.
Agricultural experts also view the increase in rainfall as a key factor in improving farming conditions across Badakhshan. They say precipitation levels this year have been higher than in the past three years and could help offset some of the losses caused by previous droughts.
Mawdud-ul-Haq Dayem, an agricultural expert, says the increased rainfall has improved soil moisture and created favorable conditions for plant growth. If these conditions continue, agricultural production is expected to increase.
“Compared to last year, some farmers suffered losses in wheat production and other crops. This year, there is optimism that yields may increase, and people may experience some relief and achieve better harvests,” he says.
Meanwhile, Kaikawus Taksaari, spokesperson for the Badakhshan Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, says that rainfall in the province has reached approximately 895 millimeters this year, a significant increase compared with last year, when precipitation levels were nearly half that amount.
He adds that the department has planned several programs to support farmers, including expanding green areas, restoring forests, and distributing improved seeds and saplings.
“Recent rainfall has been recorded across most districts of Badakhshan, and the department is optimistic that this rainfall can increase farmers’ production levels,” he says.
Badakhshan is one of Afghanistan’s mountainous provinces, where a large proportion of agricultural land is cultivated under rainfed conditions and depends directly on rainfall.
Reduced precipitation in recent years has created serious challenges for farmers and contributed to a decline in the level of agricultural production. However, this year’s regular rainfall has renewed hopes among farmers for a productive year.
Reporter: Farid Yaqobi
