Farah, with its 11 districts, is one of the important agricultural provinces in western Afghanistan. However, differences in climate and declining water resources pose serious challenges for farmers in some parts of the province. This year, rainfall has been better than in previous years, helping increase the production of some crops. However, drought, sandstorms, and falling groundwater levels continue to threaten farmers’ livelihoods.
Mohammad Younus, a farmer in Farah, says the water situation is better this year than in previous years. However, he says the improvement has not resolved the problems caused by drought and sandstorms.
“The water situation was better this year than in previous years, but drought and sandstorms have continued to damage farmland. Groundwater levels are falling every year, and the cost of installing solar-powered irrigation systems is too high for many farmers. If the Bakhshabad Dam and other water projects are built, many of the problems facing farmers will be solved,” he says.
Najibullah Seddiqi, another farmer in Farah, also complains about crop losses caused by strong winds and rising farming costs. He says the rising costs of solar-powered systems, fertilizers, and other farming supplies have limited farmers’ ability to cultivate their land.
“Strong winds caused heavy damage to crops this year. Water shortages and the rising costs of solar-powered systems, fertilizers, and other farming supplies have forced farmers to cultivate less land. We call on the government to support farmers,” he adds.
Ehsanullah, another farmer, considers this year’s increased rainfall a key factor in improving agricultural production. However, he says declining groundwater levels remain a serious concern.
“The rainfall this year has increased crop production, but declining groundwater levels remain a serious concern. The construction of dams and barrages could help boost agricultural production,” he says.
Mohammad Rahimi, an environmental and climate change expert, says declining water resources and increasingly frequent sandstorms in some districts of Farah are among the province’s main environmental challenges. According to him, climate change and the loss of vegetation cover intensify these problems.
“Over the past 10 years, groundwater levels have fallen sharply, and sandstorms have become more severe in Farah Rud, Bakwa, and Juwayn districts. Expanding green spaces and planting trees could help reduce sandstorms,” he says.
Farid Afghan, a water resources expert, also warns against the excessive use of groundwater. He says the drying up of Karizes and falling groundwater levels have made it increasingly difficult for people to access water. He warns that continued overuse of groundwater could have serious consequences for agriculture.
“The Karizes have dried up, and groundwater levels have fallen by dozens of meters. Continued overuse of groundwater through deep wells could have serious consequences. Building dams and barrages and growing crops that require less water are among the key measures for managing the water crisis,” he adds.
Declining water resources have not only limited people’s access to water but have also affected the province’s agricultural production capacity.
Meanwhile, officials at the Farah Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock say rainfall this year has been better than usual, helping increase the production of some crops.
According to the department, wheat and watermelon production has increased by 20 to 30 percent compared with last year, while the production of other vegetables and fruits has risen by about 10 percent.
Turyalai Noori, spokesperson for the Farah Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, says climate change and drought have made farming and livestock production in the province vulnerable.
He says several plans are being undertaken to manage water resources and support farmers. These include building check dams and barrages, expanding drip irrigation, distributing improved seeds, and promoting the cultivation of crops that require less water.
“Drought and climate change have made farming and livestock production highly vulnerable. To manage water resources and support farmers, projects such as the Bakhshabad Dam, check dams, barrages, and drip irrigation systems are being implemented. Other measures include distributing improved seeds and promoting the cultivation of crops that require less water. Better rainfall this year has also helped increase wheat and watermelon production by 20 to 30 percent compared with last year,” he adds.
Despite farmers’ complaints about losses caused by drought and sandstorms, no specific figures are available on the extent of farmland damage in Farah so far. The lack of regular records and proper documentation makes it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage and develop effective plans to reduce future risks.
Reporter: Khatemah Farzam Ayoobi
