Several farmers and orchardists in Daykundi Province are expressing deep concerns over the significant decline in almond production and the sharp fall in prices. They report that persistent droughts, along with the spread of plant diseases and pests, have drastically reduced almond yields across the region. The lack of suitable markets and the low purchasing power of consumers have further exacerbated the situation, leading to a steep decline in almond prices.
Farmers, speaking with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, emphasize that this year’s almond harvest from the province’s orchards has dropped by up to 50 percent, marking a considerable decline compared to previous years. They criticize the absence of a viable market for selling their products domestically and highlight the lack of a systematic approach by the Taliban for exporting these goods abroad. Additionally, they point out the insufficient support from the Taliban’s Agriculture and Livestock Directorate in managing plant diseases and pests, calling for aid organizations to step in. Farmers stress that almonds are among the most vital agricultural products in Daykundi Province and urge relevant institutions to facilitate their sale at fair prices.
Ewaz Ali, a long-time farmer in Nili, the provincial capital, notes that his almond yield has significantly decreased compared to last year. He states, “This year’s harvest is very low. The droughts have caused almond trees to dry out, and in recent years, pests and diseases have also damaged the orchards.” Last year, he harvested at least 50 seers (350 kilograms) of almonds, but this year, he reports only obtaining 18 seers. “You can calculate how much it has decreased,” he adds.
Ali believes that to effectively control agricultural pests, collaboration with aid organizations is essential. “The solution is to assess the area, control plant diseases, and provide farmers with necessary medications and other essentials. This task is beyond the capabilities of the people, and the money earned from almonds is only enough for our daily living expenses. Therefore, organizations and the [Taliban regime] government must cooperate in this regard.”
The decline in almond yields is compounded by the drop in almond prices in local markets, which is another pressing concern for farmers. Mohammad Hussain, a shopkeeper in Nili, reports that almond prices have decreased by about 50 percent compared to last year. He notes that one seer (7 kilograms) of Paper Shell Almonds was sold for 3,000 Afghanis last year, but this year, the price has dropped to 1,500 Afghanis. The prices of other almond varieties have also declined. “Here, several types of almonds are traded, the most famous being Paper Shell Almonds and stone almonds,” he explains. “Last year, one seer of stone almonds was sold for 750 Afghanis, but this year it is traded at 550 Afghanis. Additionally, the price of Paper Shell Almonds has halved from 3,000 Afghanis to 1,500 Afghanis.”
Residents of Daykundi Province attribute the drop in almond prices to a lack of suitable sales markets, declining purchasing power, and the absence of appropriate export routes for agricultural products. They urge the Taliban to facilitate marketing for almonds in Daykundi to enable exports.
It is important to note that almonds are one of the largest agricultural products in Daykundi Province, with a significant portion of the local population engaged in various agricultural and horticultural activities.
You can read the Persian version of this daily report here:
کاهش قیمت و مقدار بادام در دایکندی؛ دهقانان خواهان همکاری هستند | روزنامه ۸صبح
