Wheat seeds being distributed to farmers

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): The agriculture department in northwestern Faryab province has started distributing 300 tonnes of refined wheat seeds to 6,000 farmers, officials said on Sunday.

Governor Mohammadullah Batash told a gathering here that the provincial administration had registered some 400,000 farmers in Faryab and the current amount of seeds would be insufficient.

The biggest problems faced by the farmers included the absence of an agriculture development bank and lack of irrigation water, he said, urging the central government should address the problems.

He noted banks offering loans to farmers should reopen to encourage farmers to improve their economy.  He said a number of dams sites had been identified but practical steps were yet to be taken.

The weather in Faryab, he said, was suitable for growing saffron, potatoes and developing orchards. The ministry concerned should pay attention to the issues.  

Agriculture Director Asadullah Bahar said the quantity of seeds was lower. A 50 kilogram bag of seeds costs 1,800 afs, but in an attempt to assist farmers the government is distributing the bag at a subsidised rate of 546 afs.

ra/rm/mud

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