Current Agricultural Conditions and Constraints in Paktya Province of Afghanistan

Abstract

Agriculture is the backbone of economy of Paktya Province in Afghanistan with more than 80% people engages in agriculture for their livelihoods. In spite of such a large workforce involves in this activity, the outcomes are not very satisfied. A survey was conducted to discuss current conditions of agricultural sectors and constraints of agriculture in Paktya province. Survey was done in accordance with a questionnaire sheet on current agricultural condition and constraints. As per the survey it was found that majority of farmers use traditional farming methods and have very poor technical knowledge in agriculture. The low productivity and fertility of soils as well as the lack of irrigation water were identified as major factors causing low agricultural production at the research area. In addition, 32.4% of responded farmers answered soil erosion happens very severely and 50.0% answered soil erosion happens severely. It means that more than 80% of farmers require the proper conservation strategies for holding soil fertility. It was considered that soil degradation caused by erosion phenomena with high intensity rainfall causes low holding capacities of nutrients and water of soils. The development of proper conservation strategies as well as farmers education on proper soil management is indispensable to achieve sustainable agriculture in Paktya Province, Afghanistan.