FAO seeks $38.3 mln to support Afghanistan’s wheat planting

FAO has appealed to international donors for $38.3 mln in emergency funding to support Afghan farmers ahead of the 2027 winter wheat planting season. The assistance, provided through subsidies for fertilizer and certified wheat seed, is expected to reach up to 600 thsd farming households.

The appeal comes as fertilizer prices have surged following disruptions in global markets caused by the 2026 Middle East crisis. As a result, many farmers may be forced to reduce fertilizer use or cut planted areas.

According to FAO, winter wheat is Afghanistan’s main staple crop and accounts for more than two-thirds of the country’s annual fertilizer demand. The price increase is expected to hit the most vulnerable rural households, including women-headed families and returnees.

FAO plans to deliver the support through an e-voucher system linked to its biometric farmer registration platform. More than 100 thsd farmers have already been registered, allowing assistance to be distributed quickly once funding is secured.

FAO estimates that combining certified seed with adequate fertilizer application and improved farming practices can increase wheat yields by 32.8%. The organization says funding must be secured by mid-September to ensure farmers receive inputs in time for planting and to protect Afghanistan’s 2027 wheat harvest.

Tags: Afghanistan, FAO