Uzbekistan Delivers 40 Tons of Improved Seeds to Balkh, Afghanistan

The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock of the Taliban administration in Balkh has announced that 40 metric tons of improved agricultural seeds have been provided to Afghanistan by the government of Uzbekistan. This shipment arrived in the country on the evening of Sunday, May 10th (20th of Sowr), through the Hairatan port.

According to a statement from the department, the aid package includes cotton seeds, paddy rice, and various vegetable seeds, aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector. Hairatan port, located in northern Afghanistan, is a significant trade gateway between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Mosbahuddin Mastain, Head of Cereals and Industrial Plants Development at the Taliban Ministry of Agriculture, stated during the handover that the seeds will be distributed to different provinces after allocation. He added that using improved seeds can effectively enhance crop quality and boost agricultural yields.

Last year, Uzbekistan also provided 26 metric tons of improved plant seeds, including 20 tons of rice and 5 tons of cotton seeds, to Afghanistan. The agriculture sector remains a primary livelihood source for millions of Afghans, and such assistance is highly important for farmers given the current circumstances.