Potato growers in Herat province, Afghanistan, are raising issues regarding the influx of potato imports from Iran and Pakistan during their harvest season. This import activity coincides with their local harvesting, resulting in reduced prices for domestically produced potatoes.
Sayed Naeem, a long-time potato and vegetable farmer, highlighted the persistent problem with unchecked imports from neighboring regions, particularly Pakistan. This situation affects their ability to cover farming costs. Naeem stated that imported potatoes entering Herat from Iran and Pakistan during the local harvest depress market prices, making it challenging to achieve profitability.
Abdul Rauf, another farmer, suggested: "If the government stops the import of Pakistani and Iranian potatoes, the market for domestic products will be significantly better." Beyond imports, Rauf flagged issues such as inadequate cold storage, limited resources, and the high cost and availability of quality fertilizers and improved seeds as factors contributing to unsatisfactory market conditions. He anticipates earning around 100,000 afghanis this season on two jeribs (about 0.4 hectares) of cultivated land, with expenditures totaling 50,000 afghanis.
Abdul Aziz, another voice from the farming community, advocated for halting agricultural imports and emphasized the necessity for better market access for their products. Support from officials, partly by blocking similar product imports, could lead to more profitable yields.
Mahmood, a landowner in the Guzara district, underscored the importance of timely government intervention to bolster agriculture and appreciate farmers' labor. He called for immediate actions to curb imports and to initiate supportive strategies for farmers.
Local agriculture officials acknowledge these import-related concerns. Bashir Ahmad Ahmadi from the Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock noted an increased potato cultivation area this year but did not comment on policy measures to control imports. Efforts to assist farmers include providing chemical fertilizers and better seeds. He reported over 1,300 hectares of potato planting in districts such as Injil and Guzara, with projected output surpassing 23,000 tons.
This scenario unfolds as farmers contend with persistent water shortages, droughts, and obstacles related to fertilizers, seeds, and market access.
Source: Pajhwok Afghan News
