Nangarhar Potato Production Projected to Reach 670 Tons This Year

JALALABAD, Afghanistan — Potato production in Nangarhar province is expected to reach approximately 670 metric tons this year, up from 587.38 tons last year, according to Maulvi Abdul Sattar Mohammad, head of the provincial Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock.

The crop was cultivated on 406 jeribs of land across four districts: Khogyani, Koot, Dara-e-Noor and Surkhrud. This marks an increase from 356 jeribs used last year.

Maulvi Abdul Sattar Mohammad stated that the expanded cultivation area and higher yields reflect greater attention from farmers. The department provided training to farmers on potato cultivation techniques, irrigation methods, agronomic operations and disease control.

Potato farming is expanding in the province as an alternative to poppy cultivation. Officials noted that the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock is encouraging farmers to shift away from harmful crops, with rising market demand for potatoes providing good income opportunities.