Afghanistan: Agriculture Ministry Emphasizes Purchase of Surplus Wheat from Farmers

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock has announced that, in accordance with the directive of the Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, surplus wheat from farmers has once again been purchased this year and stored in government silos.

Officials at the ministry stated that this initiative was carried out in cooperation with relevant departments to support farmers, prevent wheat smuggling and hoarding, and ensure preparedness for natural disasters and emergency situations.

They emphasized that if wheat prices rise in the market, existing reserves will be released to help stabilize prices and maintain food market balance.

Sher Mohammad Hatami, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, said: “This year, a total of 21,400 tons of wheat, valued at 500 million Afghanis, have been stored from the provinces of Balkh, Herat, Takhar, Kunduz, and Baghlan.”

Meanwhile, economic experts say that purchasing surplus wheat from farmers plays an important role in reducing Afghanistan’s dependence on wheat imports and strengthening the country’s food self-sufficiency.

According to them, storing agricultural products during harvest seasons not only strengthens the agricultural economy but also helps prevent sudden price increases during winter.

Mohammad Asif Stanekzai, an economic analyst, stated: “Controlling inflation, creating job opportunities, and maintaining the value of the Afghani — these are policies the government should pursue through storage programs while continuing to support farmers.”

Qutbuddin Yaqubi, another economic expert, said: “Such measures can prevent hoarding and rising prices in the market. In addition, by purchasing surplus wheat, farmers are encouraged to increase production in the coming years, ensuring the country’s needs for wheat and other grains are better met.”

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, Afghanistan’s annual demand for wheat exceeds 7 million metric tons, while current domestic production is around 5 million metric tons.

Ministry officials added that efforts are underway to increase domestic wheat production by another 2 million metric tons in the near future to fully meet the country’s needs from local sources.

Tags: prices, wheat, imports, Afghanistan, Market