Tani Residents Turning Hillsides Into Almond Orchards

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): Residents of Tani district in southeastern Khost province have started cultivating almond orchards in the district's mountainous parts, a move they say supports environmental conservation besides generating sustainable income and constructive engagement for the local community.

According to local gardeners, more than 20 almond orchards have been established so far, with approximately 20,000 saplings planted across the highlands.

Their key objective is to restore forest cover and create productive opportunities for communities in the region.

Provincial officials have expressed strong support for the purpose, highlighting that Khost's climate, particularly in certain districts, is well-suited almond cultivation. They also pledged to back such community-led initiatives.

Naeemullah Zaland, a resident of Dakhio area in Tani district, told Pajhwok Afghan News:“We have planted over 20,000 saplings in these orchards, and the entire community is hopeful about this year's harvest. This initiative is a joint effort of local elders and youth to transform barren hillsides into productive farmland. You will see it yourself-these trees are in full bloom and expected to produce a good yield.”

Another resident, Ghazi Gharibmal, said these orchards helped revive deforested areas while also creating jobs and meaningful engagement for locals.

“These lands had been unused. Our elders decided to utilise them by planting almond trees. Now, people have employment, and the area looks far more vibrant and scenic.”

Imran Khyal, another villager, highlighted the wider economic potential of the project, saying it could benefit not only Tani district but the whole of Khost province.

He added:“Anyone with idle land should consider turning it into orchards, almond, walnut, or any suitable trees. These efforts are showing very promising results in Khost.”

Local authorities welcomed the initiative and promised comprehensive support to ensure its sustainability and success.

Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Director Sher Mohammad Zabih told Pajhwok:“Several districts in the province, especially Karboza, Tani and Nader Shah Kot , have ideal climatic conditions for almond cultivation due to their low humidity. If farmers and relevant institutions collaborate, Khost could witness significant economic growth through agriculture.”

While primarily viewed as a livelihood project, the orchard initiative is also praised as a practical environmental intervention. By encouraging afforestation and expanding green cover, it holds the potential to both enhance living standards and contribute to the broader development of the agricultural sector in the region.

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