Mohammad Nabi, a 55-year-old farmer from Tarinkot, the capital of Uruzgan Province, is caring for a wheat field planted with improved seeds and cultivated by the Department of Agriculture using row-planting techniques.
He says the results of the new method have been promising so far and expects a good harvest this season. Speaking to Salam Watandar, Mohammad Nabi says,
“The way we cultivated our wheat this year has produced very good results. The Department of Agriculture has always supported us in this way, helping us cope with climate change and achieve better yields.”
According to the Uruzgan Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, 26 demonstration wheat plots using row planting have been established across the province this year. Officials say several improved seed varieties have been tested on these plots, with significant results.
Qudratullah Hamidi, who works for the Department of Agriculture, says that the use of improved, drought-resistant seeds and standard farming methods can produce higher yields than ordinary seeds.
He adds that, in response to climate change and growing water scarcity, the department is making efforts to gradually replace traditional wheat cultivation methods with row planting across the province in order to save water and achieve better yields with drought-resistant seeds.
“This year, we tested different varieties and achieved very good results. Proper row planting can increase farmers’ yields by up to three times.”
The importance of improved seeds and row planting for farmers in Uruzgan is not limited to higher production; it also helps them cope with climate change. In recent years, drought, declining rainfall, and water shortages have directly affected wheat yields, leaving many farmers facing economic hardship.
On the other hand, a number of farmers have expressed satisfaction with the benefits of row planting and improved seeds. They say that this method makes cultivation and crop care easier, requires less effort and lower costs, and leads to higher yields.
Shah Mohammad, a farmer in Uruzgan, says, “These farming methods have been very good. The wheat heads look healthy and well-filled, and we are now approaching the harvest season.”
Sayed Nabi, another farmer in Uruzgan, says, “Row planting and improved seed varieties have been very beneficial for us and have produced good harvests.”
Agricultural experts believe that Afghanistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
According to them, rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and declining water resources have created a serious threat to the country’s food security.
Lawang Khpalwak, an agricultural expert, says that improved seed varieties are more resistant to drought and extreme heat and can produce good yields even with less water.
“Row planting reduces water loss, improves the efficient use of fertilizers and seed, and provides better growing conditions for crops,” he adds.
According to data from the Uruzgan Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, more than 28,000 hectares of land have been cultivated with wheat across the province this year.
Officials hope that using improved seed varieties and modern agricultural methods will significantly increase wheat production and help farmers earn higher incomes from their harvests.
Reporter: Wahidullah Wahdat
