Orchard owners in Afghanistan's Daikundi province report that almonds remain the only crop sustaining livelihoods as the ongoing drought continues to affect agricultural production. The province has faced declining rainfall and the drying of water sources in recent years, leaving most crops at risk.
Farmers say almond trees have shown resilience to drought, but yields have declined. Mohammad Akbar, a farmer from Miramor district, said: "We have been growing almonds for a long time and they used to produce good yields, but in recent years production has dropped because of water shortages. Some trees have completely dried up, but at least the little that remains still helps us meet our daily expenses."
As water sources dry up, many growers have abandoned wheat, barley, and maize, turning instead to almond cultivation. Akbar said almonds are now the only crop still grown in the province and that farmers with large orchards can maintain stable livelihoods.
Syed Ahmad, a farmer from Neili city, added that although yields have declined, almonds continue to support the local economy. "Springs and underground water sources have decreased drastically and are no longer sufficient. In the past, we used to have good harvests of wheat and barley; now there's none. Although almond yields have fallen in many areas, it is still almonds that keep people's livelihoods alive," he said.
He noted that new almond varieties have been introduced to better cope with drought, providing some income to landowners. Farmers have called on the government to promote drought-tolerant crops and facilitate exports to improve prices.
Agricultural expert Mitham Mohammadi said drought and pests have affected almond trees, but that the crop continues to sustain farmers. "Although drought has drastically reduced agricultural cultivation, almonds have survived to some extent because of their resilience and are now the main crop sustaining Daikundi's farmers," he said. He added that prolonged drought lowers both quantity and quality, making kernels lighter and reducing market value.
Mohammadi highlighted that drip irrigation could improve water efficiency and productivity under dry conditions. He also recommended expanding improved almond varieties that perform well in local and export markets.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MoAIL), Daikundi has more than 15,000 hectares of almond orchards, producing 23,300 metric tonnes this year. Spokesperson Maulvi Sher Mohammad Hatami said drought affected yields, but production remained similar to last year. Shahristan, Neili, and Miramor districts are the main producing areas.
Officials said measures such as drip irrigation and water storage projects are being implemented to support farmers in a province where more than 80% of the population depends on agriculture.
Source: Pajhwok Afghan News
