German assistance for Afghan farmers

Islamabad (Office of the United Nations Co-ordinator for Afghanistan), 13 June 2001 -- The Government of Germany has announced a contribution of US$ 232,000 to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) to help 8,000 farming families affected by drought in Samangan Province of Afghanistan.
The donation will help provide drought-resistant wheat and chickpea seeds, fertiliser, and agricultural extension advice to poor farmers. Samangan has suffered due to depletion of agricultural land, and is one of the provinces most severely affected by the current drought.

In 2000, many Afghan farmers failed to plant crops for a variety of reasons, including lack of seeds. Farmers chosen to participate in this project will be precisely those affected by drought and who lack seeds. By planting improved seed of suitable varieties, farmers will be able to increase their yields. In addition to increasing food production, the project is expected to create opportunities for seasonal employment for labourers engaged in harvesting and processing the seed.

After harvesting the crops, the farmers are expected to keep enough seed produced to cover the same area the next year. FAO encourages farmers to exchange surplus improved seeds with neighbours and relatives. The farmers should be able to maintain the same seed for four years.

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as a whole is in a sharp downwards spiral that will continue until at least next summer. Since summer 2000, over one million Afghans have left their homes. Over 700,000 of them are internally displaced in Afghanistan. In the course of 2001, the United Nations believes that the number of internally displaced Afghans will top one million.

Since last summer, the United Nations has appealed to donors for contributions for agriculture to help prevent further internal displacement.

For more information, please call Hans Brink, Programme Manager, FAO Afghanistan or Mr. Tunwar, FAO Afghanistan: 2828217-8