Farmers in Afghanistan’s western Herat province say they are harvesting significantly more produce this year, but low market prices, a lack of cold storage and limited resources are keeping them from benefiting from the bumper crops.
Abdul Aziz, a farmer in Herat, said he has harvested his largest potato crop to date. While he welcomed the higher yield, he said demand in the local market is weak, forcing him to sell four kilograms of potatoes for just 50 afghanis — about 70 cents — limiting his income.
“If we had access to improved seeds and chemical fertilizers, it would support us farmers,” Abdul Aziz said. “But right now, our situation is not good.”
Other farmers and orchard owners reported an increase in peach production this year, but they too said they were forced to sell at low prices due to a lack of proper cold storage facilities.
Without storage, growers said, they must sell quickly, reducing profits and discouraging investment in future production.
“When we take our products to the market, people buy them very cheaply — peaches, tomatoes, eggplants, all of it,” said Amanullah, an orchard owner.
In addition, farmers cited a shortage of chemical fertilizers and a lack of agricultural training as key challenges.
“We ask international organizations to help us — to give us fertilizer and pesticides,” farmer Habibullah said. “Our orchards are being attacked by pests, and we need help to protect them.”
Herat farmers also face chronic water shortages, outdated farming equipment, poor access to reliable markets and little financial support.
Farmers say these challenges have prevented them from reaching optimal productivity and improving their economic situation.
