Ministry of Agriculture Calls for Global Aid to Combat Ongoing Drought

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock has warned about the continuation of consecutive droughts in the country, stating that managing this natural crisis is impossible without external support. The ministry has called on donor countries and international organizations to cooperate.

Shir Mohammad Hatami, the ministry’s spokesperson, said the consequences of the drought have exceeded existing capacities, and garnering global support is a serious necessity for its management. He added that the ongoing situation could threaten the food security and livelihoods of millions of the country’s residents.

Meanwhile, farmers across various regions of the country have complained about reduced rainfall, water shortages, and limited access to improved seeds and chemical fertilizers. They claim these factors have significantly lowered agricultural yields and warn that without practical support, many farmlands will remain uncultivated.

Economic experts consider this situation a sign of weak policymaking and the Taliban administration’s neglect of sustainable agricultural management and modernization. They believe the lack of effective programs for adapting to climate change and supporting farmers has increased the vulnerability of the agriculture-based economy.

Previously, the National Statistics and Information Authority identified drought as the main cause of reduced wheat production, reporting a 4 percent decrease in irrigated lands and a 24 percent reduction in rainfed lands compared to last year. This situation underscores the urgent need for serious response and effective action.