The Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Department in Kandahar province reports that mushroom farms have been established for growers in Khakrez district as part of an initiative to promote crops that can replace poppy. The program is supported financially by the Dutch Committee for Afghanistan and includes the distribution of mushroom seed to about 30 farmers.
According to the department, the project costs about US$20,000. One kilogram of mushrooms sells for 350 afghanis, and each kilogram of seed produces about 10 kilograms of mushrooms. The department noted that the aim is to introduce crops that align with local climatic conditions and offer growers an economic substitute for poppy.
"These mushroom farms have been established with the financial support of DCA. The aim is to provide farmers with productive crops that match the climate and offer a viable alternative to poppy cultivation," a department spokesperson said.
Farmers involved in the trial describe the crop as manageable and suitable for small-scale production. One grower reported that input costs are low, yields are high, and production requires neither much land nor much water. Another farmer stated that producers are working to learn new cultivation methods and increase output for local markets.
A representative of the Dutch Committee for Afghanistan said the program's goal is to help growers reduce production costs while improving yields. "For the first time, we have established mushroom farms for 30 families in the Khakrez district and provided all necessary equipment. The goal is to enable families to independently produce this crop and supply it to the local market, thereby improving their economic conditions," he said.
Following the ban on poppy cultivation in Kandahar, the Agriculture Department has been promoting a range of alternative crops, including figs, saffron, mushrooms, and amlok and pistachio orchards.
Source: Pajhwok Afghan News
