Greenhouse farming rises in Ghor as drought hits traditional agriculture — Pajhwok

FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): While climate change and drought have severely affected traditional agriculture in western Ghor province, some farmers have turned to greenhouse cultivation and drip irrigation, increasing their production. However, they complain about a lack of facilities and proper markets. Officials in Ghor say the number of greenhouses has increased in recent years and more than 120 greenhouses equipped with drip irrigation systems are currently active in the province. Ramazan, 37, a greenhouse farmer in Ghor, told Pajhwok Afghan News that climate change and drought have badly damaged agriculture in the province and farmers’ lands are no longer producing good yields. He said that, in response to market demand and people’s need for vegetables, he built a greenhouse last year at a cost of 200,000 afghanis and adopted drip irrigation. “We are happy that our production has been good,” he said. He added that each greenhouse produces between 100 and 120 kilograms of cucumbers and other vegetables daily, which are then taken to local markets after harvesting. According to him, the high cost of agricultural chemicals and lack of awareness about plant disease prevention and diagnosis are among the main challenges for him and other greenhouse owners. He urged authorities and relevant organizations to support greenhouse farmers by providing training programs and essential medicines. Another greenhouse farmer, Shams-ul-Haq, 40, said…