HERAT (The Killid Group) – local officials announced a 25 percent increase in fig yields in Herat province – a promising comparison considering last year’s gain.
Bashir Ahaman Ahamadi, head of Herat agriculture department, told The Killid about 330 hectares land in the province is cultivating fig, which harvested about 6,200 metric tons this year – a 25 percent increase comparing last year.
About 40 percent of figs are freshly marketed in Herat and neighboring provinces, while the remaining 60 percent are processed and dried, he added. Figs in Herat market now is 50-80 Afghanis per kilo.
Meanwhile, a number of farmers complain about lack of facilities and cold houses for storage purposes, as well as export opportunities, claiming the government disregard agricultural products and gains.
They say fruit yields have dramatically increased in Herat province this year, but lack of a proper market and problems facing are concerning them, as they urge government to support local farmer by providing them cold houses and pave the way for exports of agricultural products to world market.
Herat provincial office exclaimed that efforts are underway to address local farmers’ concern and provide facilities they need, including cold storage facilities for preservation of fresh fruit, exporting to foreign countries, and support programs for gardeners and farmers.
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Fig trees are generally found in the districts of Ghoriyan, Shindand, Pashtun Zarghoon, Zinda Jan and Angel, where some 10,000 gardeners are working on growing this crop.
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Arifa Saboori of The Killid Group has contributed to this report.
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