Afghanistan Sees Significant Drop in Wheat Production Amid Drought and Crop Pests
According to the latest report from Afghanistan’s National Statistics and Information Authority, the country produced a total of 4.54 million metric tons of wheat in the solar year 1404 (March 2023–March 2024). Of this amount, 4.13 million metric tons were irrigated wheat, while around 404,000 metric tons came from rainfed cultivation.
The report indicates that the highest yields of irrigated wheat were recorded in the provinces of Helmand, Kunduz, Herat, Kandahar, and Farah. Helmand topped the list with 848,000 metric tons, followed by Kunduz with 478,000 metric tons, Herat with over 410,000 metric tons, Kandahar with more than 366,000 metric tons, and Farah with close to 237,000 metric tons. Meanwhile, the provinces of Badghis, Takhar, and Herat led in the production of rainfed wheat.
The data also show that over 891,000 hectares of land across the country were cultivated with wheat this year. Of this total, 1.33 million hectares were used for irrigated wheat farming, while 562,000 hectares were dedicated to rainfed wheat.
However, compared to the previous year, the area of irrigated wheat cultivation declined by 4%, and rainfed wheat saw a worrying 24% decrease. The statistics agency attributes the dramatic reduction to severe drought, insufficient rainfall during critical periods, and the spread of plant pests.
This sharp decline in wheat production comes as Afghanistan remains heavily reliant on domestic agricultural output to ensure food security. The Taliban administration, currently in control of the country, has yet to present a clear plan to address climate challenges, manage water resources, or control crop diseases.
This raises a serious question: As drought and agricultural pests threaten crop yields, what strategies are in place to support Afghan farmers and safeguard the nation’s food supply?
