Farmers in western Herat province, Afghanistan, report a 10 per cent increase in fig harvests, particularly in the yellow variety, advocating for government support to expand cultivation and improve export processes.
Bashir Ahmad Ahmadi, leading the agricultural extension at the Agriculture and Livestock Department, noted that approximately 10,000 tons of figs are anticipated to be harvested from 620 hectares of orchards this year. Last year's harvest was about 9,000 tons, with the improved yield attributed to favorable weather and effective management by farmers.
Farmers, including those newly cultivating yellow figs, have achieved satisfactory yields. Aminullah, a farmer, established his first fig orchard three years ago and now exports to Pakistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He has planted 15,000 fig trees covering 35 acres (14 hectares) in Pashton Zarghon and Guzra districts.
Some farmers are requesting government provision of agricultural land to enhance both common and yellow fig cultivation and streamline the export process. The agriculture department identifies Zinda Jan, Injil, Pashtun Zarghon, and Guzra districts as key areas for fig orchards. Zinda Jan district, in particular, holds a large portion of exports due to the high quality and marketability of its figs, largely destined for India, Pakistan, and the UAE.
Source: Pajhwok
