Cotton Yield Triples in Sar-e-Pol, Farmers Still Face Challenges

The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock of Sar-e-Pol province said cotton yields in the province have nearly tripled compared to last year.

According to officials, this year approximately 500 tons of cotton will be harvested from 500 hectares of land in Sar-e-Pol, while this figure stood at 135 tons last year.

“This year, it is predicted that 500 tons of cotton will be harvested from 500 hectares of land, whereas in 2023, this amount was 135 tons,” said Sharifullah Mosadeq, head of the agricultural division of the department.

Despite the increased yields, farmers in the province cited the spread of crop pests, a decline in cotton prices, and a lack of proper markets as serious challenges. They are urging the export of this product to global markets.

“We ask national and international traders to purchase our cotton products and export them to other countries because we work hard to produce this crop,” said Abdul Qudoos, one of the farmers.

“Four years ago, when cotton was being exported abroad, its price would reach up to 700 afghani. However, now, with what I think are challenges in exports, its domestic price is between 300 and 350 afghani, which doesn’t even cover our costs,” said Ali Mohammad, another farmer.

“I planted 12 jeribs of cotton, but due to the increase in crop pests and the decline in prices, we can’t even recover our production costs,” said Khan, another farmer.

According to cotton sellers in Sar-e-Pol, the price of one ser of cotton has dropped from 700 afghani to 350 afghani in recent years, a significant decrease that has had a major negative impact on farmers’ livelihoods.