Farmers and orchard owners in southern Ghazni province report reduced harvests this year due to drought and have called on the government to build dams to address recurring water shortages.
The climate across Afghanistan is changing rapidly, resulting in droughts in some regions and floods in others. Although the country contributes only 0.19 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, it ranks fourth among nations most affected by climate change. The agriculture sector, which supports nearly 80 per cent of Afghans, has been heavily impacted, with irregular rainfall and floods reducing crop yields.
Noorullah, a farmer from the Nobarjak area of Khawaja Umari district, said that while the climate is generally suitable for apple cultivation, this year's drought reduced output sharply. He said last year his orchard produced 5,600 kilograms of apples, compared to only 2,100 kilograms this season. "The crops that did grow were affected by diseases and struggled to reach the market," he said. Noorullah urged the government and aid agencies to support water projects and build dams to prevent further losses.
Zabiullah, a farmer from the Aqasi area, said drought affected not only apple orchards but also other crops. "Crop yields and quality have declined due to the dry spell. In previous years, I sold seven kilograms of apples for 200 afghanis (US$2.90), but this year the same quantity was sold for only 40 afghanis (US$0.58)," he said. Farmers in the area are relying on water tankers to irrigate orchards and prevent trees from drying out.
Ahmad Jawed Anwari, a farmer from Qala-i-Naw, said drought has also reduced the yields of chickpeas, onions, potatoes, and vegetables. He said farmers who previously earned hundreds of thousands of afghanis now earn only a few thousand. Anwari called on authorities to construct dams, raise awareness, and take preventive measures against drought.
Climate experts say the effects of climate change are widespread, reducing agricultural output across several Afghan regions. Hasibullah Samim, a climate specialist, said that constructing reservoirs in Ghazni and other rural areas could help mitigate water shortages.
According to the Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Department (AILD), drought has lowered yields across the province compared to previous years. AILD official Qari Zakaria Hotak said no water was stored in the Sultan Dam this year, worsening conditions for local farmers. Several small dams have been built in Malistan and Ajristan districts, and plans are in progress to construct additional ones to increase water availability.
About 99 per cent of Khwaja Umari's population depends on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods.
Source: Pajhwok Afghan News
