Growers in north demand access to market

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Farmers in the northern zone  on Thursday demanded the government construct more storage facilities and explore market for their products.

The growers expressed these views to Pajhwok Afghan News during a food exhibition in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province.

One of them, Jamaluddin, a resident of Faryab province, said: “I’m running a dried fruit business, but could not develop it due to the non-existence of market.”

Jamaluddin had brought a variety of dried fruits to the exhibition. He lauded the arrangement of the food expo, but in the same breath urged the government to help farmers find market for their products.

Another farmer, Musa Khan, complained of a lack of storage facilities. “I grew carrots on four acres of land last year, but faced serious problems preserving the produce,” he recalled.

Asadullah, the provincial agriculture and livestock director, acknowledged the growers’ problems, but said they should also contribute to the agriculture sector’s development.

He said water scarcity was a serious issue and the provincial government — concerned about it –had been trying to resolve it.

The official said market access had a direct impact on the quality of products. Around 500 metric tonnes of refined seeds have been distributed to farmers.

nh/ma

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