Wheat Production in Balkh Increases by 65 Percent

The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock of Balkh has announced that wheat production this year has reached approximately 340,000 tons, showing a 65 percent increase compared to last year. Last year, the wheat yield in the province was recorded at over 205,000 tons.

According to officials from the department, the main factors behind this significant growth in yields include increased rainfall, expanded cultivated areas, and better water access. This year, more than 180,000 hectares of rain-fed and irrigated land in Balkh have been allocated for wheat cultivation.

Despite this increase, some residents of Balkh still face serious challenges. Farmers say that this year’s harvest was better compared to last year when diseases damaged the fields; however, water shortages, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers remain major issues. They have appealed to the Taliban administration to at least support farmers by providing agricultural inputs.

Balkh is considered one of the important agricultural provinces in northern Afghanistan, with wheat being one of its essential and strategic crops.