The Panjshir Provincial Media Office says agricultural production and exports have increased significantly this year following continued efforts to develop the province’s farming and horticulture sectors.
According to a statement, mulberry and wheat harvests have risen substantially during the 1405 solar hijri year, while 130 metric tons of cherries have been exported to Russia and Central Asian countries.
Citing Panjshir Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Qari Fazlullah Deobandi, the statement says nearly 1,400 hectares of land were cultivated with mulberry trees this year. Mulberry production increased from 3,500 metric tons to 4,023 metric tons, representing a 13 percent increase compared with last year.
He attributed the increase to favorable weather conditions, the absence of rainfall during the harvest season, the distribution of fruit-drying machines, and the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation canals.
The statement says wheat production also increased by 18 percent this year, driven by the implementation of agricultural development projects, the modernization of horticultural systems, and coordination with national and international organizations.
It adds that the export of 130 metric tons of cherries to Russia and Central Asian countries marks an important step toward strengthening the local economy and increasing the incomes of farmers and orchard owners.
According to the Directorate of Agriculture, Panjshir cultivates several varieties of mulberries, including Shahi, Sher, seedless, white, and black mulberries. The Directorate also says 165 fruit-drying machines have recently been distributed to orchard owners to improve crop processing, storage, and marketing.
Officials stressed that the development of agriculture and horticulture is a key pillar of self-sufficiency and economic growth, adding that the agricultural sector has made significant progress over the past three years alongside other areas of development.