The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Strawberry cultivation has expanded in southern Kandahar province, with local Taliban authorities promoting it as an alternative to poppy farming.
The Taliban’s Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and
Livestock in Kandahar said that strawberries were cultivated this year on eight
jeribs of land in the districts of Zhari and Arghandab.
Officials expect yields to reach up to four metric tons per
jerib, which would result in a significant overall production.
The department said the crop is being encouraged as a viable
substitute for poppy cultivation and has so far shown promising results.
According to officials, a similar area of eight jeribs was
used for strawberry farming last year, producing approximately 24 metric tons
in total.
The development comes as efforts to reduce poppy cultivation
have intensified in recent years, alongside increased focus on promoting
alternative agricultural products.
Agricultural experts say that with improved market access
and technical support, strawberries and similar crops could become a
sustainable source of income for farmers.
