Islamic Emirate at a Glance

(Part 15)

Summary of the Most Significant Accomplishments of the Islamic Emirate  (2022 – 2023)

By: H.N

Development of Agriculture and Livestock for Economic Growth

The development of agriculture and animal husbandry for economic growth has been a focus of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan due to its agricultural nature and the fact that the majority of its people earn a living through these means. The Ministry of Agriculture of the country has paid special attention in recent years to the growth, development, and mechanization of agriculture and animal husbandry, as well as the conservation and development of natural resources, water management from source to farm, and the regulation of land affairs in Afghanistan. The achievements in this sector over the past year can be summarized as follows:

A: Support for Farmers

In order to promote agriculture and livestock growth, for the first time, Islamic finance through agency services and profit-sharing has been provided by the Agriculture Development Fund of the Ministry of Agriculture to farmers, livestock breeders, and the private sector. Out of the approved budget of 750 million Afghanis for this fund, approximately 470 million Afghanis have been disbursed in the past year to 158 companies, cooperatives, associations, and 2,300 farmers.

Additionally, the distribution of about 25,000 metric tons of improved wheat and chemical fertilizers for farmers has been carried out in collaboration with domestic and foreign institutions, along with combating plant pests and diseases to prevent losses in agricultural production and orchards in northern provinces. Other achievements in this sector include:

• Implementing research experiences and producing high-quality seeds of various plant varieties in 22 research farms.

• Distributing productive seedlings for new orchards and seeds for farmers.

• Implementation of wheat distribution programs benefiting thousands of participants in food-for-work initiatives.

• Inspecting approximately 38,000 hectares of wheat fields for seed production purposes in six agricultural zones.

• Establishing 500 demonstration plots of wheat in collaboration with a humanitarian institution from Turkey in 25 provinces.

• Producing, processing, and certifying 24,451 metric tons of improved wheat seeds.

• Organization of three high-profile agricultural exhibitions to facilitate market access and promote agricultural products.

• Providing necessary facilities to establish centers in Kabul, Balkh, Nangarhar, Herat, and Kandahar for the private sector, aimed at standardizing and enhancing the export of agricultural commodities.

• Establishing and revitalizing 600 hectares of orchards in the Nangarhar canal area, of which 3,000 jeribs include olive orchards.

• Increasing the yield of date palm orchards and establishing a new 25-jerib date palm orchard in the Nangarhar canal area.

• Implementation of measures to enhance productivity in date palm orchards, including the establishment of a new 25-jerib date palm orchard within the Nangarhar canal area.”

B: Support for Livestock Owners

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of the country has undertaken pivotal initiatives to bolster support for livestock owners, yielding commendable outcomes in this realm. A succinct overview of these endeavors is outlined as follows:

Establishment of standardized slaughterhouses, leasing of slaughterhouses to the private sector, and provision of healthy and high-quality meat to citizens,

• Production of over 1.5 million doses of various vaccines and administering them to more than 9 million animals to fortify their immunity against prevalent maladies nationwide.

• Treatment of over 6.5 million diverse animals through the clinical facilities of this ministry.

• Execution of exhaustive tests and diagnoses exceeding 48,000 disease samples at veterinary laboratories.

• Implementation of artificial insemination procedures for over 170,000 bovines aimed at genetic enhancement and transitioning from conventional to standardized livestock management practices.

• Establishment of milk collection and processing hubs in provinces to augment revenue streams for livestock breeders.

C: Irrigation and Natural Resource Management

To safeguard natural agro-ecosystems, optimize irrigation practices, and foster verdant expanses nationwide, the following meticulously curated programs have been operationalized over the past year:

• Initiation of economic, social, and technical surveys and design of irrigation projects in 12 provinces, with a total cost of 50 million Afghanis.

• Reconstruction of check dams, water reservoirs, dams, and irrigation canals to strengthen groundwater resources, with an expenditure of 1.6 million dollars across provinces such as Ghor, Bamyan, Daikundi, Badghis, Farah, and Herat.

• Implementation of rigorous economic, social, and technical surveys for the Ghulam Qader canal situated in the Dehsabz district of Kabul province.

• Ensuring necessary coordination with local authorities to prevent illegal timber trafficking and deforestation in the country.

• Management and protection of natural farmlands hosting medicinal plants and valuable flora.

• Augmentation of designated conservation zones.

• Systematic cultivation of medicinal flora across 268 jeribs of land for the production and dissemination of superior-grade seedlings, encompassing both fruit-bearing and non-fruit-bearing varieties.

• Distribution and planting of over 35 million seedlings and cuttings from medicinal plants to strengthen the afforestation trend in the country.

• Strategically coordinated interventions with local authorities to safeguard pistachio orchards and facilitate the production of 17,049 metric tons of pistachios across 12 provinces.

• Strategic engagements with local authorities to preserve almond groves and stimulate the production of 11,854 metric tons of almonds spanning 10 provinces.

• Leasing 46,000 jeribs of state-owned land to the private sector to attract investments in the agriculture and livestock sector of the country.

• Pioneering initiatives to create gainful employment opportunities for over 1,500 educated youths nationwide.

D: Forest Survey

Natural forests are regarded as vital national assets that play a crucial role in the country’s economic development and growth. Over the past year, the Islamic Emirate conducted a comprehensive forest survey utilizing satellite imagery and remote sensing technology to preserve and effectively manage this national resource. The survey results indicate that approximately 1.6 million hectares of land are forested, representing 2.5% of the nation’s total land area.

Furthermore, the data reveals that a total of 3 million hectares of land are covered by vegetation and forests, with a notable increase of 32% in forested areas and 40% in vegetative cover during the past two years.

E: Facilitating Investment in Agriculture and Livestock Sector

Investment stands as a pivotal aspect for the growth and fortification of the agriculture and livestock sector. Over the past two years, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has persistently endeavored to attract investment, resulting in 180 private companies investing a substantial sum of 5 billion Afghanis into the agriculture and livestock sector.

Moreover, collaborative efforts with institutional partners have led to the alignment of 241 projects valued at over 328 million US dollars in the agriculture and livestock sector.

The accrual of approximately 2 billion Afghanis in revenue from these endeavors stands as a testament to the Ministry of Agriculture’s notable achievements and its dedication to fostering sustainable growth in the sector.

Continued…

 

Reference: IEA’s Accomplishments