Drought cuts almond production in Daikundi; farmers call for modern irrigation — Pajhwok

NEILI (Pajhwok): Almond growers in Daikundi say recurring droughts and climate change have significantly reduced almond production in the central province in recent years, threatening the livelihoods of families dependent on the crop. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock says almond production has declined by around 20 percent this year. Officials say Daikundi almonds are among the country’s most famous and high-quality almonds, with a significant part of the province’s economy dependent on the crop’s yield. Drought has dealt another blow to our economy: Farmers Akbar Joya, an almond grower in Miramor district of the province, told Pajhwok Afghan News that almond production had declined in recent years due to recurring droughts and natural pests. “Our problems have become very serious. There is no water, the almond trees do not bear fruit, and some of our trees have dried up. We cut them down and use them as firewood. Our lives depended on almonds, but things have become very difficult,” he said. He recalled that in previous years, he had harvested more than 1,050 kilogrammes of almonds and sold them at a good price, covering a significant portion of his household expenses. “It has been several years since the drought intensified. Our old almond trees no longer produce properly. From all those almond trees, we can hardly get…