Farmers in Ghor Turn to Greenhouse Farming to Combat Drought

Amid escalating climate change and drought in Ghor province, some farmers have turned to greenhouse cultivation and drip irrigation systems, reporting increased production. However, lack of facilities and inadequate market access remain significant challenges.

Officials at Ghor’s Department of Agriculture stated that over the past two years, the number of greenhouses in the province has increased, with more than 120 greenhouses now equipped with drip irrigation systems. They noted this initiative is part of efforts to adapt to consecutive droughts in this mountainous region.

Ramazan, a 37-year-old greenhouse farmer residing in Ghor, said that ongoing droughts have severely damaged farmland, and yields are far lower than before. He added that due to market demand for vegetables and fresh produce, he invested 200,000 Afghanis last year to build a greenhouse using a drip irrigation system.

According to him, the investment has yielded satisfactory results, with each greenhouse producing between 100 to 120 kilograms of tomatoes and other products daily, which are then transported to local markets. Nevertheless, farmers emphasize that without effective support, access to larger markets, and proper storage facilities, further development of this sector faces limitations—a matter on which it is expected the Taliban administration will develop practical plans for improvement.