A number of farmers in southeastern Paktia province say greenhouses consume less water than open fields and give higher yields. They urged the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, as well as relevant organisations, to support them in the construction of greenhouses, control of plant diseases and the training of skilled professionals.
Mirza Khan, a resident of Syed Karam district who has established a greenhouse on 2.5 acres of land, told Pajhwok Afghan News he had planted garlic last winter and had harvested a bumper crop this season. He believed if more greenhouses were built, vegetables could be supplied to the market at more affordable prices.
He explained. "Greenhouses are highly beneficial. They allow for three seasonal harvests. I first planted cucumber, then green vegetables and in winter, garlic — which is now ripe.
"We use a drip irrigation system. One tank is enough to irrigate the entire greenhouse, but if watered through traditional channels, even a hundred tanks would not suffice."
Read more at Pajwhok Afghan News