Agriculture Deputy Minister Urges UN FAO to Align Projects with Sector Needs

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Mawlawi Sadrazam Osmani met with representatives from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to review ongoing agricultural initiatives and discuss future cooperation. During the meeting, Osmani stressed that international development projects must be closely aligned with the sector’s actual requirements and implemented with greater transparency and accountability.

Addressing the state of domestic farming, the deputy minister noted that Afghanistan has not achieved seed self-sufficiency over the past twenty years. He stated that the needs of local farmers remain largely unaddressed and called for a renewed focus on domestic seed production, the distribution of chemical fertilizers, and strategies to increase overall agricultural yields. Representatives from both sides agreed to enhance coordination and expand joint efforts to improve production capacity.

The meeting focused on aligning agricultural programs with national priorities, with both sides emphasizing the importance of needs-based planning. Ministry officials highlighted that previous initiatives have often fallen short of their stated objectives, underscoring the necessity for more rigorous monitoring and localized implementation strategies.

The discussion reflects broader positions held by Islamic Emirate authorities regarding foreign assistance, who have consistently requested direct management and oversight of international aid programs within the country. Officials reiterated that effective project implementation requires clear communication, measurable outcomes, and a firm commitment to addressing the practical challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Both parties committed to maintaining regular dialogue to ensure future initiatives deliver tangible benefits to rural communities.