SURKH ROD, Afghanistan, Might 6 (Xinhua) — Regardless of heavy rains and damaging floods throughout Afghanistan this 12 months, the ample precipitation has introduced a silver lining for farmers because the harvest season reveals stronger yields.
Within the fertile orchards of Surkh Rod district, japanese Nangarhar province, peach farmers have been celebrating a bountiful season.
Amid stacks of freshly harvested peaches, 49-year-old Bakhtullah oversaw staff sorting and packing the fruit. As the only real breadwinner for his household of 14, he finds deep achievement not solely in sustaining his family but in addition in producing employment for others.
“On this orchard, 20 individuals (and I) work; those that don’t personal orchards work with me, earn cash, and help their livelihoods,” he stated.
Bakht Alam, an orchard proprietor, beamed with satisfaction as he surveyed this 12 months’s peach harvest. Supporting a household of 10, he’s relieved by the beneficiant returns.
“The harvest is a lot better than in earlier years — about 3,500-4,000 cartons (5 kg every),” he stated.
Alam attributed the superior high quality of Surkh Rod peaches to favorable climate and ample water. “We ship the peaches from right here to Kabul, and from there they’re provided to all provinces,” he stated.
Inspired by robust yields and rising income, many native residents are changing their lands into peach orchards.
“With every passing 12 months, the variety of orchards will increase and so does the earnings. Our lives additionally enhance,” Alam advised Xinhua.
For younger seasonal laborers like 23-year-old Khan Agha, who just lately returned from Pakistan, the peach harvest has supplied important seasonal employment. Working from early morning till night, he helps a big household of 13.
Official figures from Nangarhar spotlight the sector’s development: peaches are cultivated on 2,021.5 acres of land throughout 22 districts this 12 months, yielding an estimated 11,320 metric tonnes, a modest improve from 11,223.34 metric tonnes produced on 1,991.5 acres final 12 months.
