BADGHIS, Afghanistan — Farmers in Badghis are raising alarms over a surge in crop diseases, with worms ravaging several hectares of melon fields and leading to significant financial losses. Many say they have been unable to afford the necessary fertilizers and insecticides due to economic hardships, leaving their crops vulnerable.
Local farmers estimate that the infestation has caused over 10 million Afghanis (about $130,000) in damages. “We were forced to sell our melons for 10 to 15 Afghanis each to prevent them from spoiling,” said Hassan, a farmer from the region. “Our neighbors are facing the same problem, and the produce is being sold at dirt-cheap prices.”
The farmers expressed frustration over the lack of support from both the local Taliban authorities and aid organizations, which they believe has contributed to the decline in agricultural activity. They are calling for greater assistance, including professional training to improve farming techniques and deal with pest issues more effectively.
“We simply can’t afford to spray our fields with pesticides every week,” one farmer said. “We don’t have the financial means to take proper care of our crops.”
Ghulam Rasool, another melon farmer, echoed the sentiment. “We couldn’t afford chemical fertilizers, and we didn’t have the resources to spray the fields,” he said.
Badghis is known for its agricultural output, particularly its melons and watermelons, but farmers point to economic difficulties and the lack of a standardized agricultural system as their biggest challenges. Without proper support, they fear future harvests will face similar problems.
