A delegation of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) recently concluded a comprehensive fact-finding mission across the rich agricultural landscapes of four provinces in West Afghanistan within the framework of implementing the Afghanistan Food Security Program. In partnership with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) Herat Program Coordination Office , this mission was meticulously orchestrated to delve into the untapped potential of wheat and palm date development within the region.
The IOFS embarked on a collaborative journey to establish a groundbreaking model for Cereals Cultivation and Flour Production. Encompassing the intricacies of palm date development and agricultural mechanization interventions, this initiative aims to lay the foundation for a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector. Guided field visits, skillfully coordinated by the TIKA Herat Office, provided the IOFS delegation with a platform to engage meaningfully with local stakeholders, including Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation Offices in Herat, Badghis, Farah, and Nimroz provinces.
These interactions have paved the way for a comprehensive framework for future collaborations, poised to expand the scope and impact of the AFSP through unified action. The concerted efforts in data collection and information exchange are set to empower small-holder farmers and bolster the local agricultural capacity, thus fostering sustainable growth in this critical sector.
Over the course of four days, the delegation ventured into diverse provinces, unraveling a tapestry of agricultural aspirations and challenges. Commencing in Zindajan sub-province near Herat, a region celebrated for its cereal and vegetable production, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions at the UrdoKhan Research Institute. This prestigious institute, renowned for its contribution to wheat cultivation and horticultural research, unveiled a demonstration field and orchard. Serving as a hub for innovation, the institute is dedicated to the preservation of local varieties and the strategic introduction of new cultivars, finely attuned to the unique climatic conditions prevailing in Western Afghanistan collaboration with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) in the west Afghanistan climatic conditions.
These interactions have paved the way for a comprehensive framework for future collaborations, poised to expand the scope and impact of the AFSP through unified action. The concerted efforts in data collection and information exchange are set to empower small-holder farmers and bolster the local agricultural capacity, thus fostering sustainable growth in this critical sector.
Over the course of four days, the delegation ventured into diverse provinces, unraveling a tapestry of agricultural aspirations and challenges. Commencing in Zindajan sub-province near Herat, a region celebrated for its cereal and vegetable production, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions at the UrdoKhan Research Institute. This prestigious institute, renowned for its contribution to wheat cultivation and horticultural research, unveiled a demonstration field and orchard. Serving as a hub for innovation, the institute is dedicated to the preservation of local varieties and the strategic introduction of new cultivars, finely attuned to the unique climatic conditions prevailing in Western Afghanistan collaboration with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) in the west Afghanistan climatic conditions.
The exploration extended into Badghis Province, specifically Karukh District, a landscape grappling with the complexities of agricultural mechanization, improved seed varieties, and sustainable fertilization. Amidst discussions, the delegation acknowledged the vulnerabilities faced by farmers, exacerbated by recent shifts in governance. Deliberations encompassed strategies to enhance both rainfed and irrigated cultivation methods, seeking to boost productivity and mitigate risks.
Farah Province emerged as a pivotal setting for dialogues that spanned mechanization, seed improvement, and the transformative potential of palm date development. This province, disproportionately impacted by climate change and recurrent droughts, emphasized the urgency of transitioning to drought-resistant seeds and water-efficient horticultural varieties. The delegation recognized the pressing need for modernized irrigation techniques to preserve and manage scarce water resources strategically.
A highlight of the mission was the visit to a model palm date farm near Farah, a visionary endeavor nurtured by the A-Gharrafah Charity Foundation (AGF) with generous funding from Qatar under the auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Bin Thani Al-Thani. This innovative farm not only showcased a diverse array of crops, including pistachio, almond, and palm date trees sourced from the Gulf and Iran, but also stands as a beacon of resilience. Hosting an impressive 4000 palm date trees, the farm stands as a unique establishment in Afghanistan, a dynamic center for the propagation of date palms through offshoot separation. The harvested dates play a vital role in supporting charitable institutions within the province.
The final leg of the mission unfolded in Nimroz Province, home to the bustling capital, Zaranj town. A region characterized by its arid and windy climate, Nimroz faces the constraints of limited farming and livestock opportunities. However, the tenacity of local farmers has fostered cultivation of fruits, pistachios, and animal fodder through careful irrigation management. The delegation's visit to a demonstration palm date farm, situated 40 km from Zaranj, marked an opportunity to engage with officials and glean insights. The farm, established four years ago, has been cultivating Iranian varieties of date palms, serving as both an educational hub and a catalyst for local initiatives.
Farah Province emerged as a pivotal setting for dialogues that spanned mechanization, seed improvement, and the transformative potential of palm date development. This province, disproportionately impacted by climate change and recurrent droughts, emphasized the urgency of transitioning to drought-resistant seeds and water-efficient horticultural varieties. The delegation recognized the pressing need for modernized irrigation techniques to preserve and manage scarce water resources strategically.
A highlight of the mission was the visit to a model palm date farm near Farah, a visionary endeavor nurtured by the A-Gharrafah Charity Foundation (AGF) with generous funding from Qatar under the auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Bin Thani Al-Thani. This innovative farm not only showcased a diverse array of crops, including pistachio, almond, and palm date trees sourced from the Gulf and Iran, but also stands as a beacon of resilience. Hosting an impressive 4000 palm date trees, the farm stands as a unique establishment in Afghanistan, a dynamic center for the propagation of date palms through offshoot separation. The harvested dates play a vital role in supporting charitable institutions within the province.
The final leg of the mission unfolded in Nimroz Province, home to the bustling capital, Zaranj town. A region characterized by its arid and windy climate, Nimroz faces the constraints of limited farming and livestock opportunities. However, the tenacity of local farmers has fostered cultivation of fruits, pistachios, and animal fodder through careful irrigation management. The delegation's visit to a demonstration palm date farm, situated 40 km from Zaranj, marked an opportunity to engage with officials and glean insights. The farm, established four years ago, has been cultivating Iranian varieties of date palms, serving as both an educational hub and a catalyst for local initiatives.
IOFS's maiden voyage to the Herat and West Afghanistan region underscores the organization's commitment to infuse modern agricultural technologies into the fabric of local farming communities. This concerted effort seeks to minimize dependence on food imports and external aid through the AFSP. The deliberations held with the TIKA Herat Program Coordination Office have yielded promising avenues for concrete and sustainable projects, poised to transform proposals into reality. The commitment to embark on feasibility studies concerning interventions in wheat, horticulture, and palm date development bears testament to the seriousness of IOFS's dedication.
As the IOFS delegation continues its mission, the upcoming week holds the promise of further illuminating field visits and insightful stakeholder consultations in Kabul and Logar provinces. This cohesive endeavor aspires to redefine the agricultural landscape of Afghanistan, empowering its farmers and securing the nation's food security for generations to come.
