Fungal diseases of wheat in the fields of Kapisa have raised concerns among farmers. A number of farmers in the province say that, in recent years, changes in rainfall patterns and increased humidity have contributed to the spread of these diseases, causing significant losses to wheat crops.
The farmers say that diseases such as wheat rust and smut, along with pests such as the sunn pest, destroy part of their wheat crops every year. They add that shortage of facilities, limited access to agricultural medicines, and prolonged rainfall have increased their losses.
Rahmuddin, a farmer from Nijrab district, says, “This year and in previous years, fungal diseases have been widespread in our fields. In addition, there is a type of ant that sticks to crops, especially wheat leaves, and eats them completely. One of the diseases is known locally among farmers as rust (surkhi). It increases every year, reducing the harvest by damaging wheat grains, making them hollow, and reducing their weight.”
Sayed Alam, another farmer from Hesa-e-Awal Kohistan district, says, “Agricultural officials have provided some information, but the lack of facilities and necessary medicines has harmed our harvests, affecting both our income and the use of the crop. The disease makes the wheat grains hollow and unusable, and even the plants cannot be used for animals. Excessive rainfall has also caused damage and has always contributed to the increase of such diseases.”
Meanwhile, experts say that climate change, by disrupting normal weather patterns, has created more favorable conditions for the growth and Spread of pathogens in agricultural fields.
Sayed Ahmad Malekzada, an agricultural expert, says climate change is one of the main factors behind the increase in these diseases. He says farmers should adopt adaptation measures to reduce losses.
According to him, using improved and disease-resistant seeds, disinfecting seeds before planting, practicing crop rotation, collecting plant residues, and properly managing irrigation are among the most important measures for reducing the vulnerability of wheat fields to fungal diseases.
“Cold weather, prolonged rainfall, winds, and especially unstable weather conditions—when temperatures change between cold and warm—can play an important role in increasing the incidence of diseases. Simple measures include using healthy seeds, disinfecting seeds before planting to eliminate fungi, practicing crop rotation, collecting plant residues left from previous years,” he adds.
Officials at the Kapisa Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock say that the level of fungal diseases has decreased this year compared with previous years. They add that programs have been undertaken to raise farmers’ awareness and provide them with support.
Mohammad Shafi, head of agricultural and horticultural affairs at the Kapisa Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, told Salam Watandar,
“The level of fungal diseases in Kapisa has decreased compared with previous years. Seasonal winds, sunlight, and other factors have reduced the level of damage to its lowest point. We can say that about 5 percent of fields are affected by diseases, while 95 percent remain disease-free. Every year, the Department of Agriculture provides capacity-building programs for farmers to help prevent and control wheat diseases. Farmers receive training from the planting stage through harvest.”
Wheat is one of the most important agricultural crops in Kapisa province and is a main source of food for many families. However, experts warn that if climate change, unpredictable rainfall, and temperature changes continue, the risk of fungal diseases spreading will also increase. They emphasize that strengthening climate adaptation programs, improving farmers’ access to disease-resistant seeds, and agricultural services can play an important role in protecting wheat crops and ensuring food security for rural communities.
Reporter: Masouda Akbari
