Forage chopper machines empower livestock keepers in Afghanistan
In 2024, with the generous support of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) distributed 500 forage chopper machines across Afghanistan. These innovative machines are transforming how herders prepare and store fodder, addressing the critical challenge of sustaining livestock during harsh winters while conserving precious natural resources.
Among the 19 provinces that benefited from this initiative, Nuristan, a remote and mountainous province in eastern Afghanistan, received 40 forage chopper machines through the GEF-supported Combating Land Degradation and Biodiversity Loss by Promoting Sustainable Rangeland Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Afghanistan. In Nuristan, where over half of the population relies on agriculture alongside livestock rearing, these machines are proving to be a lifeline.
The livelihoods of Nuristan’s communities are deeply tied to the health of its fragile ecosystems. The province’s rangelands and forests provide essential resources, such as grass, shrubs, medicinal plants, and wildlife habitats, while also serving as the foundation of the local economy and cultural heritage. However, decades of overgrazing have strained these ecosystems, threatening both livelihoods and biodiversity.
The introduction of forage chopper machines is changing this narrative, enabling herders to feed their animals efficiently while reducing their reliance on natural rangelands.
Forage chopper machines work by chopping grass into smaller, compact pieces, preserving its nutritional value and making it easier to store. Each machine can process up to 400-1000 kilograms of forage per hour, enough to feed 20-30 livestock for 24 hours. This innovation allows herders to store significantly more feed in less space, ensuring their animals remain healthy and productive throughout the winter.
“Before the chopper machine, we wasted time and space trying to store grass. Now, we can store more feed in less space and keep our animals well-fed during the winter,” said Gul Khan Kaka, a 55-year-old herder from Eshtiwi village in Nuristan’s Parun district. Gul Khan, who owns 32 livestock, previously faced immense challenges gathering and storing enough forage to sustain his animals during the harsh winter months.
With a smile, he adds, “Not only me but all the herders in our village are pleased to have these machines. They’ve made our work so much easier. Now, we feel secure knowing our animals will have enough to eat through the winter, and our livelihoods are better protected.”
Beyond improving livestock management, the forage chopper machines are paving the way for more sustainable farming practices. By reducing the dependence on overgrazed rangelands, the machines help protect Nuristan’s delicate ecosystems. Herders can now produce silage from crops like maize, sorghum, and legume residues, diversifying their fodder sources and further reducing pressure on natural resources.
In districts like Parun and Wama, where rangelands dominate the upper catchments, these machines are helping herders balance productivity with environmental stewardship. By embracing this technology, Nuristan’s communities are strengthening their resilience against climate challenges and securing their livelihoods.
This initiative is part of FAO’s broader mission to empower Afghan communities through sustainable agricultural solutions. With the continued support of donors like GEF and ADB, these efforts are helping Afghan herders adapt to environmental challenges while preserving their way of life.
In Nuristan, forage chopper machines are more than tools, they are a symbol of hope and progress. By integrating innovation with tradition, FAO is ensuring that even the most remote communities can thrive, safeguarding their livelihoods and the natural resources they depend on for generations to come.