SHARAN (PAN): Economy and revenue generation of around 70% people of the southeastern Paktika province depends on agriculture and livestock but the residents of the volatile region complained the government does not pay any attention to develop the sectors.
 
Mohammad Wasil, head of agriculture, irrigation and livestock department believed shortage of water dams was among the major problem being confronted by the Paktika growers, adding water scarcity did not meet the growing demand of the farmers.
 
Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, he said donor agencies and the concerned ministry paid less attention to develop the infrastructure of the restive province. The government and the global fraternity also failed to ensure provision of more funds and improved seeds but only 30% farmers got seeds.
 
Wasil said Paktika had a total of around 2,400 hectors of rain-fed while 17,600 hectors of irrigation lands, adding that wheat, maize and barleys were among most produced crops of the province including apple, grapes and peanuts.
 
The vegetables and fruits were not being produced in abundant because of shortage of water. Farmers of the province identified absence of water dams, markets and cold storages facilities were big hurdles to grow more crops in the province.
 
Shaubin, a land owner from Sharan city said they were suffering due to shortage of irrigation water irrigate their crops on time.
 
The current spell of draught has lead drying of water canals, prompting growers to irrigate their farms with the help of water pumps, he added. He said high oil prices made them unable to spend huge amount of money by irrigating their fields with water pumps. Grapes, apples and wheat yield good products here, said Rahmat Lala, a resident of Sharan city.  
In summer, it is extremely difficult to water most of the crops of the province due to shortage of water, he added.
 
Nasib Khan, a resident of Khair Kot district said there were vast grape orchards in the town, complaining but the authorities neither provided trainings about gardening nor extending assistance to eliminate the crops’ diseases.  
 
Residents said Paktika has most feasible land for construction of water dams but authorities could not take any practical measures in that connection. “Thousands of acres of agriculture lands will be irrigated if water dams are built in Plato, Park and Zhama Khola areas of the province,” said Mullah Massoom, head of the ethnic council.
 
Business and Investment:
Efforts could not be made so far to establish a market for products of the province, Paktika traders said. Shah Mohammad Khan, a local from Digan village of Sharan city said the province was producing tasty apples but they used to sold it on throw away prices because they were unable to export it abroad. He said if the concerned authorities ensure provision market access for their fruits abroad they it would leave far-reaching positive impact on the overall economy of the growers and country as well.
 
The peanut was among the major sources of revenue generation of the province, which were being exported to Pakistan by their traders, said Mohammad Shah Khan, a resident of Sar Rouza district.
 
He said they would export fruits and vegetables to European countries even if facilities were provided to them. Haji Niaz Khan, a trader and head of shopkeepers’ union said government yet to provide market access to their peanuts, apples and grapes, adding they growers community was suffering because of absence of green houses.  
 
Handicrafts:
A small number of people were busy in the handicrafts industry of the province as compared to the past. There is no proper market for handicrafts selling and authorities have turned a blind eye to resolve the much-needed problems of the workers.