Greenhouse Farming Thrives in Farah, but Challenges Persist
Greenhouse Farming Farah Afghanistan | Noorzai |
IMAGE: Rows of cucumber plants flourish inside a modern greenhouse in Farah province, where controlled irrigation systems enable farmers to produce fresh vegetables throughout the year despite the region’s water scarcity and harsh climate. (Photo Credit: Salamtimess)
In recent years, agriculture in Farah province has undergone positive changes. One of the most significant developments is the expanding use of greenhouses in various parts of the province. Greenhouses have helped move traditional farming closer to modern and sustainable agriculture and have made it possible to produce fresh crops throughout all seasons of the year. Many farmers in Farah now use this new agricultural method not only to produce larger quantities of crops but also to increase their income several times compared to the past. Farah, despite having fertile land, has always faced water shortages and the challenges of a hot and dry climate. In the past, most farmers could produce vegetables or agricultural products only during certain seasons, but now, with the construction of dozens of greenhouses in the provincial center and districts of Farah, agricultural conditions have changed. According to the Taliban Directorate of Agriculture, more than 200 small and large greenhouses have been built in recent years with the support of international organizations and through farmers’ private investment. These greenhouses mainly cultivate vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, melons, watermelons, okra, and pumpkins.
Residents of Farah province say that greenhouses have boosted the local economy. According to them, the income of many farmers has increased, and the local vegetable market has become more active. They note that in the past, most vegetables were brought to Farah from other provinces, but now many of these needs are met within the province itself. Owners of greenhouses say each small greenhouse can produce between two to three tons of fresh vegetables annually. They add that this amount generates a considerable income for farmers’ families. Greenhouses have also contributed to youth employment, poverty reduction, and the strengthening of the rural economy.
Mohammad, one of the farmers in the Shomalgah village of the central district, says that previously they could cultivate only in spring and summer, but with the help of greenhouses, they now produce fresh vegetables even in winter. According to him, using a greenhouse has reduced water consumption and doubled the harvest each cycle. Mohammad adds: “In the past, we were forced to bring vegetables from Herat or Kandahar, but now we produce them ourselves.”
Shin Khalo, another woman who is farming in the Dahak village of Farah, says that she and her husband have built a greenhouse at home and use the vegetables both for the family’s consumption and for sale in the market. She says this work is very useful for rural women because it allows them to work at home while earning an income.
Greenhouse owners say that greenhouses also help the environment by reducing water usage as irrigation is carried out in a regulated, drip-based system. They also note that small plots of land are used more efficiently, preventing crops from being damaged by wind or heat.
Farmers in Farah say that despite improved conditions for the growth of greenhouse agriculture, they still face many challenges. According to them, one of the main problems is the lack of cold-storage facilities for preserving produce. Many farmers complain that during the harvest season, if market demand is weak, part of their produce spoils.
The high price of greenhouse supplies such as plastic sheets, specialized nylon, water pipes, and drip-irrigation systems is another challenge for farmers. A lack of adequate technical training and limited access to agricultural advisers in some areas have also reduced the quality of production. Farmers in the province stress that if institutions assist them with training and the purchase of equipment, they will be able to build more greenhouses and multiply their output. They say that greenhouse agriculture in Farah could make the province self-sufficient in vegetables and agricultural products.
Although some non-governmental organizations have played an important role in expanding greenhouses by distributing seeds, equipment, and technical training, and although many young farmers have become interested in shifting from seasonal work to greenhouse agriculture, a comprehensive and wide-scale program for greenhouse development and training has still not been launched for farmers.
It is worth noting that greenhouses in Farah have become one of the key drivers of agricultural growth and have improved the economic situation of residents, creating new opportunities for rural women and youth. Although challenges such as a lack of cold storage, high equipment costs, and insufficient training still exist, the experience of recent years shows that greenhouse agriculture in Farah has been on a growing trajectory.
Original Article: https://8am.media/eng/greenhouse-farming-thrives-in-farah-but-challenges-persist/
