Afghanistan produced more than 1.35 million metric tons of melons this year, according to figures released by the Taliban-run Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock.
In a statement Wednesday, the ministry said a total of 1,358,000 metric tons of melons were harvested across the country. The highest-producing provinces included Badghis, Balkh, Herat, Jawzjan, Kandahar, Zabul and Nangarhar, where vast areas are devoted to melon cultivation.
The ministry reported that 74,476 hectares of farmland were planted with melons this year.
Afghanistan’s melons are known in the region for their sweetness and high quality. Several local varieties are grown, including Chughtai, Shekarpara, Jean Tor, Sabzak, Arkani, Lobia Amiri and Zanborcha. Some varieties, such as the thin-skinned nazok-poost, spoil quickly, while others like shakoori have thicker skins and longer shelf lives.
The ministry did not release comparative data for last year’s harvest.
