After several consecutive years of drought, this year’s widespread rainfall in Herat—particularly in the northern districts of the province—has brought renewed hope for increased harvests of grains and legumes. Officials from the Herat Directorate of Agriculture say that the condition of rainfed crops is relatively good, and that this year’s rainfall could mark a different season for agriculture and farmers.
A number of farmers in Pul-e-Alam, the capital of Logar province, as well as in several districts, told Salam Watandar that both surface and groundwater levels have declined significantly compared to previous years.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that humanity produces around 2.1 billion tonnes of waste each year, while air pollution alone causes approximately 8 million premature deaths.
While many orchard owners in Daikundi were expecting a productive year, continuous snowfall and rainfall in the first month of the solar year (March–April) have damaged fruit tree blossoms before they could turn into fruit, turning farmers’ hopes into serious concern.
The UN, in a post on X on Wednesday (April 22), stated that “Earth is our one and only home” and emphasized that protecting the planet is a shared responsibility wherever people live.
Several farmers in Balkh province say that, in addition to recurring drought and water shortages driven by climate change in recent years, infestations of Moroccan locusts have emerged as a new threat to their agricultural crops.
In recent years, the implementation of several projects in Ghazni has increased hope among farmers and livestock farmers. These projects include building greenhouses, setting up poultry farms, dairy production, tailoring programs for women, and conducting educational trainings. These projects are now ongoing in the provincial center and some districts.
In several districts of Panjshir Province, about 15 jeribs of land have been set aside as demonstration plots for row planting of wheat. This initiative has been launched by the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock to promote improved farming methods and increase crop yields.
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.
With the arrival of spring, the flower and plant market has taken on a fresh look, and youth working in this sector report increased sales during this season. Many of them turned to this profession because of their personal interest and the lack of job opportunities. By cultivating different kinds of ornamental plants, they not only beautify the environment but also create a source of income for themselves.
She has plans for the future and wants to expand her flower cultivation. She says, “I tell all women not to lose hope. Start with small steps and believe in yourselves. Every woman can make a difference.”
In recent years, Ghazni has increasingly been affected by climate change, with a rise in flooding causing significant damage to many families in the provincial center and its districts. Areas including Ghaib Qalandar, Hakim Sanayi Township, Khair Abad, Deh Khudaydad, Pirzada, Qala Amir Mohammad Khan, and Tawhid Abad in the provincial center, as well as parts of several districts, have repeatedly witnessed devastating floods.
