Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Kasbul (BNA) Melon and watermelon increase have considerably increased in Kabul markets this year, but the farmers are complaining on lack of springhouses.
The farmers added due to lack of springhouses, they have faced 90 percent loses this year in compare with last year.
A farmer, Mula Sadeq said that last year, when we were loading a Townace-type vehicle, we were earning 15000 afg in each time, but this year we only earn 1500 afg, 700 afg of which became the rent of transferring, 140 afg for the dealer and only about 500 afg would be benefited by the farmer.
He added the people’s economy has weakened and they cannot afford to buy fresh fruits.
According to him, the horticulturists bear much hardships, but in harvesting season, due to lack of springhouses and markets they face huge losses.
A shopkeeper in a Kabul market said, “Daily, tens of trucks loaded with melon and watermelon are being brought to this market, but due to lack of springhouses, the horticulturists don’t make good money this year.”
It is to be mentioned that this year, a Kg melon is being sold in 22 afg and one Kg watermelon in 10 afg, but the prices are tree times lower in other provinces of the country.
At the same time, confirming the horticulturists’ problems, the government officials said this year melon yields have considerably increased in Kabul markets.
Sarajuddin Mehraban, head of northern Balkh province’s agriculture, irrigation and livestock department told media that fortunately, melon and watermelon yields have risen in the province this year, but lack of demand has caused the horticulturists don’t earn good money.
Confirming there is not any springhouses in the province he said, “We plan to build two big springhouses—one in Balkh and another in Kabul—part of which have been completed. But unfortunately, the first contract company has failed to meet our demands and now, another company has contracted—through which the farmers’ problems would be tackled at some extent.”
“We will do what we can do to horticulturists, and our message to the ministry of foreign, chambers of commerce and private sector is that they make a regular strategy, through which they maintain commerce relations with neighboring countries and connect the farmers with international markets so they are being encouraged.”
According to him, when security be maintained and under its atmosphere, we work and take care for, and beside this the climate was also suitable; these all caused the yields of fresh fruits be increased in city markets.
An economic expert and university lecturer, Saifuddin Saihoun said, “The horticulturists are really facing with many problems, I hope the ministry of agriculture, irrigation and livestock to meet their challenges.”
Shukria Kohistani
