FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): Farmers in western Ghor province are happy with potato yields this year despite drought conditions, but complain about the lack of cold storages to preserve the harvests.

Ghulam Sarwar, a 35-year-old farmer who has spent most of his life in agriculture, said he planted potatoes on most of his land and obtained better quality crop compared to previous years.

He attributed the bumper yield to improved seeds and said:“Despite drought this year and water shortage, we were able to harvest better quality crops by using appropriate farming methods, such as the drip irrigation system.”

He added that this year's potatoes were of good quality and so far they had transported more than 5,000 tons of potatoes to the markets of Ferozkoh and Herat, and earned good income, while in previous years they received less than this amount of harvest.

Some other farmers are concerned about the lack of cold storage facilities and a suitable market, saying that due to the lack of facilities to store agricultural products, they are forced to sell their products at low prices.

Another farmer from Dawlatyar district, Mohammad Ismail, also said his this year's harvests were better, but said:“Our problem is lack of sales. If the government or institutions help us store our produce and sell it, then all farmers will be encouraged to plant more crops and get better harvests.”

He also attributed the increase in his harvest to the use of drip irrigation systems and improved seeds.

Meanwhile, another farmer from Lal wa Sar Jangal district, Hussain Bakhsh Rezai, said:“This year, the yield of potato is better and its quality is also good than in previous years. If the government helps us with fertilizers, improved seeds and agricultural equipment, our production will increase many times.”

He also urged the government and agricultural cooperation agencies to provide farmers with opportunities to sell their products and export them to other provinces and earn good income.

According to him, if cold storage facilities are built, farmers will be able to preserve their agricultural products for a long time.

On the other hand, officials from the Ghor Department of Agriculture also confirm that the lack of cold storage facilities and a suitable market are among major problems being faced by the province's agricultural sector.

Ziaul Haq Joya, the press officer for the Ghor Department of Agriculture, told Pajhwok Afghan News that they were trying to provide marketing and export opportunities for farmers' agricultural products with the help of partner agencies.

He added:“Fortunately, the yield of potato this year was good and farmers are happy with it. Although there are problems in storing and selling the agriculture products, we are still trying to solve this problem in cooperation with national and international organizations and the Ministry of Agriculture.”

He said agriculture and livestock formed the basis of the domestic economy in Ghor; where about 85 percent of the province's residents were engaged in agriculture and met their expenses through this means.

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