(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Department of northern Balkh province says about 500 hectares of land has been cultivated with sunflowers in the province this year –doubled compared to last year.

Mohammad Hussain Azimi, an official of the department, told Pajhwok Afghan News sunflowers were planted on 250 hectares of land last year in Dawlat Abad, Sholgara, Chamtal, Chahar Bolak, Balkh, Nahar Shahi and Dehdadi districts of the province.

He said the interest of farmers in growing this plant had increase this year.

He added sunflowers were planted on 500 hectares of land this year, showing a two-fold increase.

He linked the increase in sunflower cultivation with the ban on narcotics by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) across the country.

On the other hand, farmers said they were happy with the harvest, but concerned about lack of market.

Taqiullah, a farmer in Balkh district, said he was happy for the harvest, but grumbled about the lack of buyers.

He asked the government and businesspeople to find foreign market for their produce.

Salam Bai, another farmer, also asked relevant authorities to support farmers.

Meanwhile, owners of sunflower oil producing firms assured the farmers they would purchase their produce at a reasonable price.

At the same time, a number of doctors also recommended consuming sunflower oil foe being beneficial in preventing some diseases.

Dr. Bakhtar Rezaei said sunflower oil could prevent accumulation of cholesterol in the blood in addition to keeping the skin transparent.

Earlier, sunflower seeds were imported from Saudi Arabia, Iran, China and Sudan, but this year, it is expected that domestic product will meet the country's need.

kk/ma

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