25 March 2021, Kabul – National Farmer’s Day, or Melay-e- Dehqan, is celebrated on the second day of the solar year across Afghanistan to honour Afghan farmers as food heroes. It’s one of the most important events that is widely celebrated by the Government, farmers, and people of Afghanistan through the organization of agriculture exhibitions, traditional live shows, and other public events.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL) organized an agriculture product exhibition in Badambagh farm in Kabul. The aim was to celebrate Afghanistan’s rich agriculture heritage, appreciate the role of Afghan farmers, boost the sale of local products, promote the visibility of small agri-businesses, and increase fundraising opportunities for the agriculture sector.

A four-day exhibition was started on 22 March. Participants ranging from organizations working in the agriculture sector to international resource partners in development cooperation, entrepreneurs, national and international traders, farmers, and the public attended the fair.

Agriculture and the role of Afghan farmers

Agriculture is the backbone of the Afghan economy. It plays an important role in the livelihoods of over 75 percent of the Afghan population and it is the only means of subsistence for nearly 90 percent of the poor living in the rural areas.

“Farmers are essential players in shaping the economy of the country. Without their support and dedication, we would not have a meal on our plates every time and anytime. Therefore, it is vital to extend support to farmers, so to strengthening the agriculture sector, improving the livelihoods of the majority of the population, and ensuring food and nutrition security”, said Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative in Afghanistan.

National farmers’ day is a call to highlight the critical need for the Government, international agencies, science partners, food industries, and national and international markets to support farmers and local communities in the challenges they face, such as climate change, conflict, food losses, and lack of updated agriculture technology.

Wheat production is a good example of an agricultural area where farmers need support. In Afghanistan wheat is a major staple crop with an annual requirement of 6.6 million metric tons. However, due to various challenges and issues, the wheat deficiency for 2021 is predicted to be between 1.4 to 2.3 million metric tonnes.

FAO stands by Afghan farmers for improved agriculture and food security

FAO has always supported the efforts that lead to food and nutrition security and agriculture growth in Afghanistan. FAO’s support to the Government of Afghanistan and the Afghan farmers ranges from policy development, improved food security, increased livestock production, water, land, and forest management, resilience building, humanitarian assistance, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Through some of FAO’s intervention in 2020, 1 333 430 vulnerable smallholder farmers were assisted with emergency assistance; 42 000 cattle were vaccinated, treated, and dewormed, 72 879 households were benefitted by the construction of 15 irrigation schemes; 9 000 fuel-efficient cookstoves were distributed to rural women to conserve local forests; and 9 500 women were trained on skill development, income diversification, and food processing.