Agricultural Review of Helmand Province, Afghanistan

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AGRICULTURAL REVIEW OF HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

Helmand Abstract

Helmand Province has irregular highlands which gradually increase in elevation in the northern and southern parts of the province. The Helmand River is the longest river in Afghanistan and it flows through the center of the province. The river valley and its associated canals provide the primary life support system for the province. The Helmand River Valley Project provides river and canal irrigation for approximately 150,000 hectares. The northern part of the province does not have direct access to the river and relies on irrigation water from natural springs and groundwater that flow into karezes. Deep tube wells have been dug in the north to offset the decrease in kareze irrigation due to drought, which has led to depletion of groundwater supplies.

Helmand province has an estimated population of 850,000 residents, and 94% is rural. Pashtun tribes constitute over 90% of the ethnic population with the balance being primarily Baluchs who reside in the southern part of the province. The literacy rate in Helmand is about 5% with women representing only 1% of the total. The Kuchi population is virtually illiterate and numbers around 100,000 in the winter with about 20% being settled. Short range migratory Kuchis are primarily from the Baluchi tribes that move to districts such as Garmsir, Marjah, and Lashkar Gah in the summer. The long range migratory Kuchis are found primarily in the northern sections of the province and travel mostly to Ghor, Ghazni and Zabul during the summer. i

Helmand agriculture has a history of strong production due to the extensive irrigation system built by the United States over 40 years ago. Field crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and mung beans are produced where irrigation is supportive. The climatic environment is favorable to double cropping (winter and summer crop on same land) throughout the province. Industrial crops such as cotton, peanuts, and now soybeans are grown on a limited scale due to the lack of processing capacity. Vegetable production is almost exclusively subsistence based with some surplus being sold locally. Fruit and nut cultivation exists, but not on a large commercial basis and is predominate in the northern zone of the province that is served by kareze and well irrigation. Livestock and poultry are raised throughout the province for local consumption.

Helmand has produced as much as 75% of the world’s poppy in the recent past. The effects of 30 years of war and political turmoil created a scenario where no support existed to assist farmers to adapt to self-sufficiency unlike the government supported system prior to 1980. The state marketing system had collapsed and availability of agricultural inputs diminished. Extension training became virtually non-existent, credit extremely tight, and local economies were critically cash poor. All of these factors combined with long term devastating drought conditions led to greater indebtedness and limited profitability which caused an increasing number of farmers to turn to poppy cultivation. The influx of foreign capital to support the poppy production was the significant driver in the farm economy and actively encouraged by the Taliban which taxed the profits.

Large landowners (greater than 20 hectares), medium landowners (2 to 20 hectares), and small landowners (1 to 10 jeribs, where 1 jerib equals 0.2 hectare) exist in the province with over 90% in the small landowner category. Most of the large and medium landowners employ landless farmers to work their land. A farmer would be considered a laborer if he farms for the landowner and is provided with shelter and paid with money and goods. Bazgari or sharecropping is very common where the landowner supplies the land and some percentage of inputs. The agreement will stipulate the percentage of harvest the farmer will retain based on the amount of investment by the landowner in seed, fertilizer, fuel, machinery and the agreed upon value of the land. If the farmer only contributes his labor; the normal sharecrop rate would be 20 – 25% of the yield. A third contract option is utilized where a lease is created allowing for a longer term agreement of up to 5 years for a set rental rate or an amount of commodity produced on the land. This method is particularly favored for horticultural production from orchards.

Soils

Alluvial sub-soils with loess top soils are common in flatland areas. These are calcareous soils with relatively high calcium carbonate (CaCO3) contents. Consequently, soil pH is generally high ranging 8.0 – 8.5. These soils respond well to tillage and nutrients. Due to the high silt percentage, flood and furrow irrigation is possible. Poor drainage systems and desertification contribute to significant soil salinization due to mineralization. Upland areas are likely to be very gravelly due to detrital type formations, but have the same high CaCO3 characteristic as the alluvium soils in the valleys. These soils will sustain forages and orchards if sufficient water is available and will respond well to nitrogen applications.

The United States Geological Survey produced a Geological and Mineral Resource Map of Afghanistan: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1038/

An excellent land cover map of Helmand depicting cultivated land, forests, grazing, and fruit production is available: http://www.cawater-info.net/afghanistan/maps/hilmand.pdf

Land and Water Resources Type of Topography Flat Mountains Hills Semi-Flat 61.4% 15.8% 13.1% 9.7% CSOii

Water Resources for Agricultural Production in Helmand District/Region Types of Irrigation Systems/Rainfed Baghran River and canal irrigated land Kareze irrigated land Dishu Canal irrigated and rainfed land Garmsir Intensive canal irrigated land Nahre Sarraj Canal irrigated land Kajaki Kareze irrigated and orchards Canal irrigated land Lashkar Gah Intensive canal irrigated land

Marjah Intensive canal irrigated land and orchards Musa Qala Intensive canal irrigated land and orchards Kareze irrigated land and orchards Nad Ali Intensive canal irrigated land and orchards Nawa-I-Barikzayi Intensive canal irrigated land and orchards Naw Zad Kareze irrigated land and orchards Reg Canal and water pump irrigated land Sangin Intensive river and canal irrigated land Kareze irrigated land Washer Kareze irrigated land World Food Programme

Crop Production

Winter wheat is the predominant cultivated crop for Helmand. Barley is also a winter grain crop that is produced on a smaller area, but is an important crop. Maize (corn) is the largest crop produced in the summer. Wheat, barley, and corn are all grain crops which are critical to food security. While these are not high value crops in the range of produce or even poppy, they are grain crops that produce maximum levels of storable food per hectare. This is an extremely important fact to realize when considering any shifts in production in the Helmand agricultural system. Certified seed for wheat and barley is critical for good yield potential. Hybrid corn seed is a must for acceptable production. Quality seed and nutrient management are opportunities for improvement in the Helmand agricultural system.

Commodity Area (Ha) Yield (mtons) Farm Value (Afs) Wheat 72,000 188,000 5.55 billion Barley 12,174 24,592 676.28 million Maize (corn) 10,418 16,252 292.54 million MAIL 2010iii

Crop Calendar - Helmand Crop Fall Planting Spring/Summer Harvest Planting Wheat (winter) 15 Oct - 1Dec 20 May - 1 Jul

Barley 15 Oct - 1Dec 15 May - 15 Jun

Onions, Turnips, Carrots, 1 Sep - 1 Nov 1 Mar - 15 Apr Spinach, Radish, etc. Poppy 1 Nov - 15 Dec 1 Apr - 15 May

Clover 21 Sep – 1 Nov 10 Mar – 1 May

Alfalfa 15 Sep – 1 Nov Perennial

Maize 1 May - 1 Jul 15 Sep - 1 Nov

Cotton 1 May - 1 Jul 1 Oct - 30 Dec

Peanuts 1 May - 15 Jun 1 Sep - 1 Nov

Soybeans 15 Apr - 1 Jul 15 Sep - 1 Dec

Cucurbits 1 Apr - 15 May 1 Jul - 15 Aug

Mung Beans 1 Apr - 30 May 1 Sep -15 Oct

W Harris - UGA

Seeding Rate Fertilizer Rate: DAP at planting - Urea following Crop kg/ha kg/jerib DAP kg/ha DAP kg/jerib Urea kg/ha Urea kg/jerib Wheat 100 20 100 20 200 40 Barley 75 15 90 18 180 36 Corn 15 3 100 20 300 60 Cotton 20 4 100 20 150 30 Non-delinted Non-delinted Peanuts 100 20 50 10 0 0 Soybeans 50 10 50 10 0 0 1 jerib = 0.2 hectares W Harris - UGA

Helmand Varieties Type of Wheat Maturity Disease Tolerance Herat 99 F, Hard Winter Bread Early to Medium Resistant to Rust Roshan 96 F, Hard Winter Bread Medium Susceptible to Rust Pamir 94 F, Hard Winter Bread Medium Resistant to Rust Gul 96 F, Hard Winter Bread Medium to Late Resistant to Rust F= Facultative - Facultative wheats have, compared to true winter wheats, in general less cold tolerance, a shorter but distinct period required for vernalization, start growth in spring earlier and flower earlier Descriptions of Afghan wheat varieties: http://www.icarda.org/docrep/Reports/National_catalogue.pdf

Industrial crops are oilseed crops such as cotton, peanuts and soybeans. These are also high protein commodities which would supplement human nutrition as well as enhance livestock and poultry production. The soils are certainly capable of sustaining these crops. Peanuts and soybeans are legumes which fix their own nitrogen making them excellent rotation crops providing some nitrogen for the following winter grain crop. Helmand has a State Owned Enterprise cotton gin and oil mill located in Lashkar Gah. The operation was built in the 1960s and is in need of upgrades. Power is intermittent and backup generation is nominal with only one of three generators operable. The facility is not supported adequately from GIRoA with operating capital and therefore purchasing has been extremely limited. Most of the cotton produced in Helmand is ginned in bazaars by mini gins. This is a very inefficient process that limits the potential for expansion of cotton production. Cotton produced in Helmand is of a good quality and virtually all production domestically consumed. Cottonseed can be fed to animals as a protein and fiber source which would enhance dairy production greatly. The oil produced in milling the cottonseed is in high demand and the residual meal an excellent protein feed.

Cotton Area in hectares Lint Production in metric tons 2010 - 11 2009 - 10 2008- 09 2010 - 11 2009 - 10 2008- 09 9,370 9,370 13,200 9,370 12,180 13,200 MAIL

Vegetable Production

Vegetables are grown almost exclusively for subsistence in compound gardens. Centralized grading and packing facilities do not exist in key production zones which would need to be supported by vegetable producers associations for commercial production to be viable. Common vegetables grown: Potato Pepper Carrots Watermelon Onion Cabbage Turnip Cantaloupe Tomato Spinach Radish Okra Eggplant Lettuce Cucumber Leek

Fruit Production

Commercial fruit production is increasing due to efforts of many donor organizations. However, as the chart below indicates; only a minimal amount of production exists. Orchards are principally in Northern Helmand (almonds, apricots, pomegranates and grapes), but nursery production is viable in the central districts. Recognizing the limitation of high value fruit production as an alternative to poppy is a critical concept that must be accepted.

Commercial Fruit Production in Helmand Peaches Almond Pomegranate Apple Grape mtons Ha mtons Ha mtons Ha mtons Ha mtons Ha 120 15 100 20 480 40 350 50 2,000 200 MAIL

Livestock and Poultry

Farmers raise milking cows, sheep, goats, donkey and chickens for producing of milk, meat, eggs for family consumption and market and transportation. Helmand has water, forages and pastures which is conducive to livestock production for both Kuchi and static farmers. Northern Helmand is used by the Kuchi, but not exclusively. Drought and insecurity caused significant reductions in the number of animals in production, but with security improving the herds are being allowed to build. Virtually all farms, Kuchi, and even non-farmers raise poultry. Chickens, ducks, and turkeys are raised for domestic consumption with any surplus of chicken eggs produced being sold by the women of the households. Restocking projects have been initiated on a small basis with substandard commercial line chickens from Pakistan.

Helmand Percentage Owned Numbers of Animals Avg Herd/Flock Size Household (HH) per HH Animal Kuchi Rural Kuchi Rural Kuchi Rural Cattle 6 57 222 219,456 1.0 1.9 Oxen 0 6 0 17,064 0 1.4 Horses 0 2 0 8,856 0 2.3 Donkeys 88 21 9,879 47,736 3.2 1.1 Camels 31 0 5,550 216 4.3 1.2 Goats 97 45 133,866 943,488 5.0 1.0 Sheep 94 57 110,445 1,114,344 33.2 9.6 Poultry 91 71 29,637 1,793,232 9.2 12.5

NRVAiv

Animal health is a critical component in all aspects of animal production. Veterinary Field Units (VFUs) are privately operated clinics that are staffed by trained professionals and/or para- professionals. VFU staff provide vaccinations, deworming, medical and surgical treatments to animals at their office and in the field. They must report contagious disease outbreaks to government, and implement sanitary regulations as well as prescribed control and treatment measures. VFUs educate farmers about animal health and production methods, and the importance of using quality vaccines and medicine. In remote areas where a para-vet or veterinarian is not available; trained Basic Veterinary Workers (BVW) may provide basic services. The number of veterinary workers in Helmand as represented in the table below indicates that animal health services are not a critical need.

Helmand Veterinary Field Units (VFUs)

Province District Name Title Helmand Center Clinic LKG* Ab. Hamid M. Yosef Asst. Vet Helmand Bolan LKG Ab. Samad Ghulam Qadir Asst. Vet Helmand Bolan LKG M. Husin Ab. Hadi Paravet Helmand Bost LKG M.Ghaws Naser Paravet Helmand Bost LKG Merajan Ab. Baqi Paravet Helmand Sangin M. Ilyas Ab. Salam Paravet Helmand Sangin S. Din Noor Paravet Helmand Marjah Alam Gul Khan Mohmad Paravet Helmand Nadi Ali Rahim Mohmad Neem Paravet Helmand Nadi Ali Galatkhan Jumakhan Paravet Helmand Nadi Ali Khair Mohmad Paravet Helmand Nadi Ali Rahmat Gul Rahim Gul Paravet Helmand Nawa Noor Ali Said Gul Paravet Helmand Musa Qala Mohsen M.Salim Paravet Helmand Musa Qala Hayatullah Mirwais Paravet Helmand Garmser G. Hazarat Shah Mohmad Paravet Helmand Kajaki M. Esmail Ahlulah Paravet Helmand Kajaki Ab.Hameed Agha Noor Paravet Helmand Kajaki Khaliqdad M. Naim Paravet Helmand Kajaki M. Salim Raz Mohmad Paravet Helmand Gereshk Abdullah Walidad Paravet Helmand Gereshk M. Qasim Ab. Rahman Paravet Helmand Gereshk Walidad Agha Noor Paravet Helmand Gereshk Hazarat Gul M.Taher DVM Helmand Now Zad Lal Mohmad Ghulam Sadiq Paravet Helmand Now Zad Ab.Karim Ab.Hakim Paravet Helmand Washer Hayat Khan Zabihullah Paravet Nimroz Delaram Khodai Rahim M.Hassan Paravet Helmand Dishu Miagul Farmanullah Paravet Helmand Baghran Noor Mahmad Ab.Tawab Paravet Helmand Khaneshin Aminulah Rahmatullah Paravet Nimroz Zaranj Dr. Mohmad Safer Sarwar DVM Nimroz Zaranj M.Sarwar Bismellah Paravet Nimroz Charburjak Balach G. Hazrat Asst. Vet Nimroz Kash Rud Abdulah Khan Ali Jan Paravet * LKG: Lashkar Gah (Afghan Veterinary Association)

Dairy

Milk production is an important subsistence activity throughout Helmand. Cattle, sheep and goats are milked for human consumption. Although forage production does exist; the amount of land available limits the number of animals that can be maintained. The shortage of protein feeds will limit productivity of dairy animals and must be addressed in the future. The Bolan

Dairy Farm was started with the objectives of breeding, production and processing. The farm has adequate resources for forage and pastures and may have the capacity for investment as a part of a larger agricultural development plan. The facility could support the development of small farmer dairy production with central facilities for veterinary care, breeding services, extension training and milk processing.

Coops and Associations

Helmand has a history of service type cooperatives. Associations are normally more business oriented with focus on supply and value chain enhancement. Associations are usually commodity specific and coops more general in objectives. Cooperatives require proper training and capacity building on operations with the objective of increasing the net income of their members. Many of the cooperatives in existence in Helmand were formed to meet USAID requirements to receive seed, fertilizer, and machinery. This is confirmed by the increase in membership shown in the table below without the corresponding increase in sales. Associations are usually more successful in accomplishing marketing and income goals than cooperatives.

Cooperatives in Helmand Number of Members Number of Cooperatives 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 60,348 26,112 20,438 182 140 80

Agricultural Cooperatives Sales, Shares, and Area in Helmand Surplus Sales in 1,000 mtons Members’ Share in 1,000 Afs Total Hectares in Coops 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 0 7 76 9,787 9,973 5,125 63,700 55,689 39,224

Fertilizer Distributed by Agricultural Services Cooperatives in Helmand Urea in metric tons DAP (Diammonium phosphate) in metric tons 698 336

MAIL

Organizations Supporting Helmand Agriculture

Organization Activities CFNA Farm Supply Dealership - LKG Roots of Peace Fruit Orchard Plantings Mercy Corps Agricultural Vocational Training IRD Canal Rehabilitation Rift Valley Agriculture Seed, Fertilizer, and Pesticide Distribution Peace Dividend Trust Agricultural Credit Programs The above table is not exhaustive. There are additional NGOs working in Helmand on a minor scale. The list fluctuates constantly, but the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Lashkar Gah will have a current list and location. 8

Helmand Provincial Development Plan (PDP)v

The Helmand PDP was written by the citizen representatives of Helmand, officials of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA), and supporting donor countries. The plan is essential to supporting organizations as the local Afghans have identified through their own assessment process priority issues that are critical to capacity building. Incorporating the Plan’s strategic agricultural initiatives in development efforts will insure that the Afghan people will be supportive and that they can be credited for the identification of the activity.

Improving living conditions for Helmand is predicated on security and increased confidence in the sustainability of licit agricultural production. Managing natural resources, increasing productivity, and commitment to market development are avenues to create a higher standard of living. Without a stabilized local economy with rule of law; farmers will not leave poppy cultivation and thus poppy will continue to overshadow licit agricultural production and will remain as one of the major elements contributing to the insecurity in the area.

Recommendations:  Rehabilitation of major canal control structures, silt removal from primary canals, repairing secondary and tertiary mechanical control devices, and improving drainage  Revitalize current and create additional Research/Training/Demonstration farms with trained extension workers to assist the farmers with new agricultural methods and crops  Support mechanized agricultural systems such as water saving drip irrigation for higher value horticultural crops  Establishment of a dairy farm with milk processing facilities to support the development of small-holder dairy farms  Support the creation of farmers’ associations to support their capacity building and provide assistance with credit, machinery, and improved seed  Initiate the foundation of financial services for agricultural credit and banking  Assist Kuchi and livestock owners with forming associations and subsequent operational capacity building with objectives of marketing and provision of restocking credits  Encourage the introduction of new cash crops with market potential to improve local economies and as an alternative to poppy cultivationvi

Transitional Agribusiness Development Initiatives

Transitioning from a major presence in the development of the agricultural systems to a declining role will necessitate increased emphasis on Afghan capacity. Civil Affairs Groups should design their programs of work to prioritize programs that create organizational structure, support of MAIL officials in providing services, and sustained improvement of agricultural inputs.

Natural Resource Management:

Water and soil are the primary natural resource concerns in Helmand. Water must be managed effectively and equitably. Soils must be protected from salinization and desertification to insure adequate land for production. The Helmand and Arghandab Valley Authority (HAVA) is responsible for planning and operation of all irrigation systems associated with the Helmand and Arghandab rivers and the three major canals. The HAVA structure exists, but with low capacity and will require assistance in achieving greater operational success. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock in concept regulates irrigation of cropland. The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development has auspices over the drainage of the canal system. These

9 three agencies must coordinate their efforts to enhance the water system. Lack of maintenance for the system is creating inefficiencies and inequities in distribution. Clogged drainage systems and inappropriate use of drainage water for irrigation is exacerbating and increasing soil salinity throughout the serviced area. Resource management of watersheds must be a fundamental goal of the people and supporting organizations to provide for sustainability. This includes effective and efficient irrigation systems.

There are three main canals that the Helmand River supplies water through diversion dams: 1. Boghra Canal with intake in Gareshk flowing to Marjah district with 70 cubic meters per second original flow capacity irrigating over 60,000 jeribs of land 2. Darvishan Canal with Intake in Darvishan flowing through Garmsir irrigating approximately 50,000 jeribs of land 3. Shamalan Canal with Intake at the Bolan bridge area flowing through Nawa to just above Darvishan irrigating about 40,000 jeribs of land These canals service secondary and tertiary canals that the local Mirabs control. A Mirab is elected to or inherits the position. The Mirabs have the authority to collect fees and direct work details to maintain the sub canal system.

Northern Helmand irrigation comes directly from the Helmand or Musa Qala rivers, karezes, and tube wells. Long term drought has diminished the capacity of many karezes and springs to provide sufficient water for irrigation particularly in Naw Zad, Baghran, and Washer. Deep wells have further restricted groundwater recharge. Ongoing efforts to rehabilitate karezes are critical to insuring agricultural productivity in these areas.

The southern region of the province is severely affected by desertification and soils are severely unproductive due to high mineralization. The high salt content also affects the dissolved solid level in the lower Helmand River. The flat terrain creates difficulties in canal effectiveness due to restricted flows and agricultural productivity is minimized.

Actionables:  Support the PRT in effort to achieve greater coordination among HAVA, MAIL and MRRD with reinforcement from the provincial governor to achieve strategic water initiatives and pursue equitable distribution  Propose a Soil and Water Conservation Commission made up of farmers to advise HAVA, MAIL, and MRRD  Provide training for MAIL and MRRD local officials on the importance of effective drainage of canal irrigated land and water table management  Assess and report water control mechanisms requiring maintenance or replacement  Identify water conveyance systems needing rehabilitation and facilitate the activity to include karezes, canals, and spring originated sources  Insure that MAIL representatives are trained in water use requirements of all major agronomic and horticultural crops and assist the representatives in creating educational programs that they can present to farmers to increase irrigation efficiency and timing  Train MAIL and other GIRoA officials on watershed rehabilitation practices to include possible terracing, check dams, and flood wall placements in northern areas  Assist in organizing district level conservation associations that will extend to villages with the goal of the associations to promote good stewardship and create a bridge to HAVA, MAIL, and MRRD  Support efforts in the Khaneshin region to transition to crops with lower water use requirements and higher salinity tolerances to include forages for expanded livestock and dairy production

Increasing Productivity:

A stated goal of the Afghan Government is to increase agricultural productivity. Helmand has the natural resources and climate to achieve this goal. Grain yields are improving with the distribution of certified seed and hybrids along with increased fertilization. Industrial crop potential is significant which would improve soil quality with legumes and provide much needed protein augmentation for both human and animal consumption. Vegetables can be produced with summer and winter crops and in the central to southern areas three crops are possible with greenhouse and low tunnel systems. Increasing fruit and nut commodities can be accomplished with better cultural practices, renovation of destroyed orchards, and new orchard development.

Livestock and dairy production can be enhanced by capitalizing on the ability to grow year around forages such as alfalfa, Lucerne, and Berseem clovers. Combined with better corn yields and increased proteins from industrial crops, the potential for increased meat and milk production can be realized. Subsequently, the increase in energy feed from corn with greater availability of protein supplements will positively impact poultry production. There may be an opportunity for aquaculture on soil limited by salinization adjacent to canals and rivers.

Actionables:  Foster growth of commodity specific associations of farmers that provide educational opportunities for improved cultural practices and improved access to quality inputs  Create crop improvement councils incorporating MAIL, farmers, and farm suppliers that will commit to seed improvement and certification activities  Assist in the construction of a certified seed cleaning and storage facility to be operated by the provincial crop improvement council  Train MAIL representatives on improving horticultural stock and insure there is appropriate linkage between MAIL extension and the existing and planned nurseries  Foster the creation of an agribusiness council that will bring farm supply dealers together in order to identify needs and quality or supply concerns of farm input items  Support MAIL led livestock associations that concentrate on managed grazing systems and herd improvement/expansion  Encourage planting of perennial forage crops to support expansion of livestock industry and to realize the benefits of legumes on soil quality  Encourage planting of industrial crops such as cotton, peanuts, and soybeans  Work with MAIL to assess the potential for aquaculture in the province to be supported by the formation of aquacultural associations  Demonstration farms have proven to be very successful in educating farmers on new practices as well as different crops, however without appropriately trained staff to operate the farm and provide the farmer training; the farms are ineffective  Facilitate shuras with Kuchi and static farmers to become mutually supportive with Kuchis purchasing forage and supplying labor to the sedentary farm community  Pursue establishment of agricultural credit organizations to support expansion of industrial crops, horticulture, livestock, dairy and poultry  Identify districts with deficiencies in governmental support (regulation, extension, animal health) that preclude agricultural growth to national and provincial leadership  Encourage linkage between district and provincial MAIL officials and colleges of agriculture especially Kandahar University  Support training of MAIL officials on remediation of high saline soil environments  Support training of MAIL officials on crop water use requirements and irrigation efficiency

Market Development:

Increasing productivity necessitates developing additional marketing opportunities. The Afghans have recognized this priority in their Provincial Development Plan. Progress will only exist if the Afghans are involved in creating the business plans for any market enhancements.

Actionables:  Encourage MAIL to provide training and support to existing cooperatives on operational characteristics with goal of transitioning to associations  Assist MAIL in developing supply and value chain charts that will allow for identification of points of resistance and opportunity  Coordinate with commodity associations to address grain storage requirements  Support physical improvements of existing grain markets in bazaars  Support physical improvements of existing livestock markets in bazaars  Work with GIRoA on the provision of adequate financial support for the Bost Cotton Gin and Oil Mill or pursue privatization to support increased cotton production  Work with local associations on purchasing and operating oil expellers for corn, peanuts, and soybeans to support increased production  Work cooperatively with commodity associations and MAIL in analyzing and planning for processing facilities to include dairy and fruit processing  Encourage MAIL to improve price discovery of commodities by providing local wholesale commodity prices on a regular basis to farmers through commodity associations  Train MAIL personnel to use demonstration farms as an educational platform on how to sanitize, grade, pack and seek markets for produce. Construction of a small grading and packaging shed at each demonstration farm would allow for these educational programs to continue over time.  MAIL should be encouraged to support the formation of a produce association in each district made up of farmers and bazaar dealers that will identify market opportunities.  Recommend and facilitate an agribusiness conference that attracts local and regional brokers of agricultural commodities. The conference could provide economic and production outlooks for different commodities as well as networking opportunities for brokers and producers to collaborate.

An agricultural profile of the districts in Helmand is available: http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/bulloch/anr/documents/Review.pdf

Population: Helmand – 1390 (2011)

Total Population Urban and Rural

(Urban Population in (Red) 1,000s District All Male Female

Total 850.2 436.5 413.7 49.1 25.7 23.4 Helmand Center 96.4 49.9 46.5 (Lashkar Gah) 39.7 20.8 18.9 Nad Ali 111.1 56.9 54.2 Nawa-I Barikzayi 87.5 44.9 42.6 Nahr-i-Saraj 110.3 51.7 49.2 (Gareshk) 9.4 4.9 4.5 Washer 14.7 7.5 7.2 Garmsir 82.7 42.5 40.2 Naw Zad 47.8 24.5 23.2 Sangin 56.3 28.9 27.4 Musa Qala 55.6 28.5 27.1 Kajaki 67.1 34.4 32.7 Reg-i-Khan Nishin 24.7 12.7 12.0 Baghran 76.8 39.4 37.4 Dishu 19.2 9.8 9.4 Central Statistics Organization i Helmand Provincial Development Plan Profile ii CSO: Central Statistics Organization iii Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock 2010 iv NRVA: National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment 2005 v Helmand Provincial Development Plan, 2008 vi RRERS - Regional Rural Economic Regeneration Strategies 2007

Wes Harris The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension January 2012

ADAPT is coordinated by California State University, Fresno