Zabul Sees Slight Increase in Walnut Harvest Compared to Last Year

According to the Department of Agriculture of Zabul province, 293 tonnes of walnuts have been harvested this year from the orchards across the province, marking an increase of approximately two tonnes compared to last year.

Mawlawi Naqibullah Najat, the head of agricultural extension at the department, stated that the walnuts were harvested from orchards in the districts of Khak-e-Afghan, Shah Joy, Arghandab, Dai Chopan, and Shahr-e-Safa, covering a total area of 27 hectares.

Najat emphasized that the department is working to implement training programs for farmers in these districts, focusing on collection, storage, and drying methods for walnuts. The goal is to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills to improve future production yields.

Meanwhile, some local traders say that although the volume of walnut harvest in Zabul is lower than in other provinces, the region produces high-quality walnuts that fetch higher prices in the market.

These traders add that while a significant portion of the walnuts is consumed within Zabul, some are also transported to the provinces of Kandahar, Ghazni, and Kabul, where they are sold in local markets.

While farmers and traders in Zabul are striving to improve the quality of dried fruit products, the Taliban administration’s neglect of market development and lack of necessary infrastructure continues to hinder the economic progress of Afghan farmers.