the study for the development in the islamic ...the study for the development of the master plan for...

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Dehsabz City Development Authority (DCDA) Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD)

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September 2009

RECS International Inc. Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd.

CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. Sanyu Consultants Inc.

09-108

EID

J R

No.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Dehsabz City Development Authority (DCDA) Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD)

THE STUDY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT

OF THE MASTER PLAN

FOR THE KABUL METROPOLITAN AREA

IN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN

FINAL REPORT

SECTOR REPORT 2: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PART 1: AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

PART 2: INDUSTRIAL AND SERVICES DEVELOPMENT

September 2009

RECS International Inc. Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd.

CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. Sanyu Consultants Inc.

Currency Equivalents (average Interbank rates for May 27-June 26, 2009) US$1.00=AFN 52.450 (over 31 days) US$1.00=JPY 96.720 (over 31 days) JPY 1=AFN 1.851 (over 31 days) Source: OANDA.COM, http://www.oanda.com

The Study for the Development of the Master Plan for the Kabul Metropolitan Area in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Final Report, Sector Report 2: Economic Development

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Table of Contents

Part 1: Agricultural Development ........................................................................................ 1.1-1 Chapter 1 Existing Conditions of Agriculture .............................................................................. 1.1-1

1.1 Overview of Agriculture in Afghanistan ........................................................................... 1.1-1 1.1.1 Institutional conditions ................................................................................................ 1.1-1 1.1.2 Government organizations ........................................................................................... 1.1-3 1.1.3 Agricultural practices .................................................................................................. 1.1-5 1.1.4 Constraints and prospects ............................................................................................ 1.1-5

1.2 Agriculture in Kabul Metropolitan Area ........................................................................... 1.1-6 1.2.1 Agriculture in Kabul city ............................................................................................. 1.1-6 1.2.2 Agriculture in Dehsabz ................................................................................................ 1.1-8 1.2.3 Agriculture in Barikab ............................................................................................... 1.1-11

Chapter 2 Constraints and Prospects for Agriculture in KMA ..................................................... 1.2-1

2.1 Common Constraints to Agricultural Development in KMA ............................................ 1.2-1 2.2 Constraints and Prospects for Agricultural Development in Dehsabz ............................... 1.2-1 2.3 Constraints and Prospects for Agricultural Development in Barikab ................................ 1.2-2

Chapter 3 Strategy for Agricultural Development in KMA ......................................................... 1.3-1

3.1 KMA Agricultural Development Issues ............................................................................ 1.3-1 3.2 KMA Agricultural Strategy ............................................................................................... 1.3-1 3.3 Agricultural Development Plan for Kabul City ................................................................. 1.3-2

3.3.1 Farming system for Kabul city .................................................................................... 1.3-2 3.3.2 Plants suitable for Kabul city ...................................................................................... 1.3-2 3.3.3 Home gardening .......................................................................................................... 1.3-3

3.4 Agricultural Development Plan for Dehsabz .................................................................... 1.3-4 3.4.1 Introduction of water-saving irrigation method ........................................................... 1.3-4 3.4.2 Rehabilitation and renewal (standardization) of old vineyards and orchards .............. 1.3-5 3.4.3 Systematic control of weeds, pests and diseases ......................................................... 1.3-6 3.4.4 Provision of on-farm facility for sanitary harvest and polishing of fruits ................... 1.3-7 3.4.5 Construction of cold storage ........................................................................................ 1.3-8 3.4.6 General guidance ......................................................................................................... 1.3-9

3.5 Agricultural Development Plan for Barikab ...................................................................... 1.3-9 3.5.1 Soil survey ................................................................................................................. 1.3-10 3.5.2 Land suitability classification .................................................................................... 1.3-10 3.5.3 Improvement of waterways ....................................................................................... 1.3-10 3.5.4 Establishment of nursery ........................................................................................... 1.3-10 3.5.5 Establishment of agricultural research station ........................................................... 1.3-10 3.5.6 Establishment of new vineyards and orchards .......................................................... 1.3-12 3.5.7 Establishment of livestock and poultry complexes ................................................... 1.3-12 3.5.8 Construction of cold storage ...................................................................................... 1.3-13 3.5.9 Designation of pastureland ........................................................................................ 1.3-13 3.5.10 Establishment of farmers’ house................................................................................ 1.3-14 3.5.11 General guidance ....................................................................................................... 1.3-14

3.6 Phasing of KMA Agricultural Development ................................................................... 1.3-15 Part 2: Industrial and Services Development ...................................................................... 2.1-1 Chapter 1 Policy Implication for Private Sector Development in Afghanistan by ANDS ........... 2.1-1

1.1 Private Sector Development by ANDS: 2008-2013 .......................................................... 2.1-1 1.2 Key Components of the Private Sector Development Strategy ......................................... 2.1-1

1.2.1 Component 1: Strengthening the enabling environment ............................................. 2.1-1 1.2.2 Component 2: Expanding opportunities for the private investment in infrastructure and



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natural resources development ................................................................................... 2.1-3 1.2.3 Component 3: Concerted private sector investment promotion .................................. 2.1-4

Chapter 2 Overview of Industry and Services Sector in Afghanistan .......................................... 2.2-1

2.1 Production and Employment Structure .............................................................................. 2.2-1 2.2 Government Organizations ................................................................................................ 2.2-1

2.2.1 MoCI ........................................................................................................................... 2.2-1 2.2.2 AISA ............................................................................................................................ 2.2-1

2.3 Development Policy for Modern Industrial Parks ............................................................. 2.2-1 2.4 Prioritized Industries ......................................................................................................... 2.2-2

2.4.1 Agriculture and related industries ............................................................................... 2.2-2 2.4.2 Construction materials ................................................................................................. 2.2-2 2.4.3 Telecommunications .................................................................................................... 2.2-2 2.4.4 Transport and logistics................................................................................................. 2.2-2 2.4.5 Mining, power and water ............................................................................................. 2.2-3 2.4.6 Low-end (labor-intensive) manufacturing ................................................................... 2.2-3

2.5 Legal and Regulatory Framework ..................................................................................... 2.2-3 2.6 Activities by Donors for Private Sector Development ...................................................... 2.2-4

Chapter 3 Current Conditions and Issues of Industry and Services Sector in Kabul ................... 2.3-1

3.1 Industry Sector in Kabul .................................................................................................... 2.3-1 3.1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2.3-1 3.1.2 Industrial production structure .................................................................................... 2.3-1 3.1.3 Overview of enterprises through the existing databases ............................................. 2.3-1 3.1.4 Development of industrial parks ................................................................................. 2.3-3 3.1.5 Issues for firms in Kabul ............................................................................................. 2.3-5 3.1.6 Constraints and countermeasures for development of industry sector in Kabul ......... 2.3-6

3.2 Services Sector in Kabul ................................................................................................... 2.3-6 3.2.1 Structure of services sectors ........................................................................................ 2.3-6 3.2.2 Trade and commercial activities .................................................................................. 2.3-7 3.2.3 Issues for firms in Kabul ............................................................................................. 2.3-8 3.2.4 Constraints and countermeasures for development of services sector in Kabul.......... 2.3-8

Chapter 4 Industry Sector Development Plan .............................................................................. 2.4-1

4.1 Development Stage of Industry in Afghanistan ................................................................. 2.4-1 4.2 Priority Sub-sector and Prospects in Industry ................................................................... 2.4-1

4.2.1 Priority sub-sectors designated by AISA ..................................................................... 2.4-2 4.2.2 Accumulation of existing industries ............................................................................ 2.4-2 4.2.3 Leading sub-sectors in the existing or planned industrial parks .................................. 2.4-2 4.2.4 Typical types of sub-sector in the inland capital region .............................................. 2.4-3 4.2.5 Types of sub-sector for import substitution ................................................................. 2.4-3 4.2.6 Selection of priority sub-sectors and prospects of industry in Kabul .......................... 2.4-4

4.3 Results of Industry Survey ................................................................................................ 2.4-4 4.3.1 Constraints to industrial development ......................................................................... 2.4-4 4.3.2 Evaluation of current industrial parks development and prospect in the future .......... 2.4-7 4.3.3 Vocational training ....................................................................................................... 2.4-8

4.4 Strategies and Development Plan for Industry .................................................................. 2.4-9 4.4.1 Development of industrial parks ................................................................................. 2.4-9 4.4.2 Relocation of small clusters such as wood & furniture and metalworking ............... 2.4-12 4.4.3 Other industrial zone development projects .............................................................. 2.4-13 4.4.4 Formulation of comprehensive SME development program..................................... 2.4-13 4.4.5 Strengthening of vocational training system ............................................................. 2.4-14

4.5 Development Framework for Industry ............................................................................ 2.4-14 4.5.1 Employment .............................................................................................................. 2.4-14 4.5.2 Value added/GRDP .................................................................................................... 2.4-14



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4.5.3 Industrial land ............................................................................................................ 2.4-15 4.5.4 Water demand ............................................................................................................ 2.4-16

4.6 Development of Aynak Copper Mine .............................................................................. 2.4-17 Chapter 5 Services Sector Development Plan .............................................................................. 2.5-1

5.1 Strategies and Development Plan for Services .................................................................. 2.5-1 5.1.1 Kabul city .................................................................................................................... 2.5-1 5.1.2 New city ...................................................................................................................... 2.5-1

5.2 Development Framework for Service Sectors ................................................................... 2.5-1 Chapter 6 Recommendations towards Realization ...................................................................... 2.6-1

6.1 Implementing Arrangements ............................................................................................. 2.6-1 6.1.1 Legal and Institutional Arrangements ......................................................................... 2.6-1 6.1.2 Introduction of public-private partnership system ....................................................... 2.6-2

6.2 Other Recommendations ................................................................................................... 2.6-2 6.2.1 Augmentation of dialogues and networking among stakeholders ............................... 2.6-2 6.2.2 Collaboration with university or higher educational institution .................................. 2.6-2 6.2.3 Active measures for human resources development ................................................... 2.6-3



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List of Tables

Part 1: Agricultural Development Table 1.1 Land Classification by Suitability for Farming ........................................................... 1.1-2 Table 1.2 Distribution of Agricultural Land in Kabul City ......................................................... 1.1-6 Table 1.3 Prices of Agro-products at Retail Shops in Kabul ....................................................... 1.1-7 Table 1.4 Classification of State Land in Dehsabz, 2008 ............................................................ 1.1-8 Table 1.5 Farm-gate Prices of Products in Dehsabz Area, 2008 ............................................... 1.1-10 Table 1.6 Livestock and Poultry Population in Dehsabz ........................................................... 1.1-10 Table 1.7 Prices of Agro-inputs Used in Barikab Area ............................................................. 1.1-11 Table 1.8 Livestock and Poultry Population in Barikab Area, 2008 ......................................... 1.1-12 Table 3.1 Priority Components of Agricultural Development Plan for KMA........................... 1.3-15 Part 2: Industrial and Services Development Table 2.1 GDP and Employment by Sector in Afghanistan, 2006 .............................................. 2.2-1 Table 3.1 Existing Database for Enterprises ............................................................................... 2.3-1 Table 3.2 Distribution of Enterprises by Industrial Classification in Kabul ............................... 2.3-2 Table 3.3 Distribution of Enterprises by District in Kabul .......................................................... 2.3-2 Table 3.4 Distribution of Enterprises by Industrial Sector in Kabul Province ............................ 2.3-3 Table 3.5 Active Firms by Type in Pule Charkhi Industrial Park ................................................ 2.3-4 Table 3.6 Size of Firms Surveyed by World Bank ...................................................................... 2.3-5 Table 3.7 Distribution of Sub-sector in Services in Kabul .......................................................... 2.3-7 Table 3.8 Major Trade Centers and Markets in Kabul City ........................................................ 2.3-7 Table 4.1 Distribution of Sub-sector by Number of Firms in Pule Charkhi Industrial Park ....... 2.4-2 Table 4.2 Development Patterns of Industries ............................................................................. 2.4-3 Table 4.3 Major Import Commodities in Afghanistan................................................................. 2.4-4 Table 4.4 Imports from Surrounding Countries, 2004-2007 ....................................................... 2.4-5 Table 4.5 Selection of Priority Sub-sectors in Industry ............................................................... 2.4-6 Table 4.6 Selective Products and Their Potentials by ASMED/USAID ..................................... 2.4-6 Table 4.7 Issues in Further Development of Business Activities ................................................ 2.4-7 Table 4.8 Summary of Proposal for Development of Industrial Parks ........................................ 2.4-9 Table 4.9 Proposed Land Use Distribution of Kamari Industrial Park ...................................... 2.4-11 Table 4.10 Distribution of Employment by Sub-sector in Industry ............................................ 2.4-15 Table 4.11 Distribution of Value-added by Sub-sector in Industry ............................................. 2.4-15 Table 4.12 Distribution of Land Area by Sub-sector in Industry, 2025....................................... 2.4-15 Table 4.13 Employment Opportunities/Hectare by Sub-sector in Industry................................. 2.4-16 Table 4.14 Water Demand in Industrial Parks, 2025 ................................................................... 2.4-16 Table 4.15 Water Demand by Sub-sector in Industry .................................................................. 2.4-17 Table 4.16 Basic Unit of Water Demand by Sub-sector in Industry ........................................... 2.4-17 Table 5.1 Distribution of Employment by Sub-sector in Services .............................................. 2.5-2 Table 5.2 Distribution of Value-added by Sub-sector in Services ............................................... 2.5-2 Table 6.1 Ranking by Item: Doing Business 2009 ...................................................................... 2.6-1



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List of Figures

Part 1: Agricultural Development Figure 1.1 Comparison of Potato Prices in Kabul Area .................................................................... 1.1-7 Figure 1.2 Current Cropping Patterns in Dehsabz Area, 2008 .......................................................... 1.1-9 Figure 1.3 Current Cropping Patterns in Barikab Area, 2008 ......................................................... 1.1-12 Figure 3.1 Planned Irrigation System ................................................................................................ 1.3-5 Figure 3.2 Sketch of On-farm Sanitary Platform Planned for Dehsabz and Barikab Areas .............. 1.3-7 Figure 3.3 Planned Routes for Marketing of Farm Products ............................................................. 1.3-8 Figure 3.4 Sketch of Cold Storage Facilities Planned for Dehsabz and Barikab Areas .................... 1.3-8 Figure 3.5 Sketch of Agricultural Research Station Planned for Barikab Area ............................... 1.3-11 Figure 3.6 Sketch of Livestock and Poultry Complex Planned for Barikab Area ........................... 1.3-13 Figure 3.7 Phasing of KMA Agricultural Development .................................................................. 1.3-15 Part 2: Industrial and Services Development Figure 3.1 Locations of Industrial Parks in Kabul ............................................................................ 2.3-4 Figure 3.2 Constraints Perceived by Firms in Kabul ........................................................................ 2.3-5 Figure 4.1 Flying Geese Pattern by Various Products ....................................................................... 2.4-1 Figure 4.2 Flying Geese Pattern in a Product by Country ................................................................. 2.4-1 Figure 4.3 Incentives for Relocation to Industrial Parks ................................................................... 2.4-8 Figure 4.4 Provision of training for workers ..................................................................................... 2.4-8 Figure 4.5 Transition and Development of Industrial Location ........................................................ 2.4-9 Figure 4.6 Locations of Industrial Parks ......................................................................................... 2.4-10 Figure 4.7 Image of Standard Factor Building ................................................................................ 2.4-13



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List of Appendices

Part 1: Agricultural Development Appendix 1: Organization Chart of MAIL ....................................................................................... A1-1 Appendix 2: Organizational Chart of Directorate for Kabul province ............................................. A1-2 Appendix 3: Structure of the Dehsabz Agriculture Management Unit ............................................ A1-2 Part 2: Industrial and Services Development Appendix: Industry Survey Results ............................................................................................... A2-1



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Abbreviations

ACCI Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry AGR average growth rate or annual growth rate AISA Afghanistan Investment Support Agency ANDS Afghanistan National Development Strategy AREU Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit ASEAN Association of South East Asian Nations ASMED Afghanistan Small and Medium Enterprise Development av. average BC Before Christ BDS business development services BSE bovine spongiform encephalopathy CBD central business district CIMMYT International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center CSO Central Statistics Office DAI Development Alternatives Inc. DCDA Dehsabz City Development Authority FAAHM Food, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Information Management and Policy unit FAO Food and Agriculture Organization (of the United Nations) FMD foot and mouth disease GDP gross domestic product GRDP gross regional domestic product GTZ Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (German Agency for Technical

Cooperation) HSIDC Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation HUDA Haryana Urban Development Authority ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas ICQHS International Center on Qanats and Historic Hydraulic Structures ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics ICT information and communication technology ICT Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats Pvt. Ltd. IPDD Industrial Parks Development Department ISIC International Standard Industrial Classification IT information technology JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency KMA Kabul metropolitan area MAIL Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock MDG Millennium Development Goal MoCI Ministry of Commerce and Industry MoE Ministry of Economy MoEW Ministry of Energy and Water MoLSA Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs MoUD Ministry of Urban Development MoWA Ministry of Women’s Affaires NESPAK National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt) Limited NGO nongovernmental organization PDT Peace Dividend Trust PPP public-private partnership prov. province PSD private sector development SDF Skills Development Fund sec. secondary or second SIDCUL State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttaranchal SME small and medium sized enterprise



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UK United Kingdom UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation USA United States of America USAID United States Agency for International Development



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Units of Measure

ha hectare kV kilovolts km kilometer km2 square kilometer m meter m2 square meter m3 cubic meter mm millimeter MVA mega volt-ampere


Final Report, Sector Report 2: Economic Development, Part 1: Agricultural Development

1.1-1

PART 1: AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER 1 EXISTING CONDITIONS OF AGRICULTURE

1.1 Overview of Agriculture in Afghanistan

1.1.1 Institutional conditions

(1) Agricultural tradition

Cereals have been grown in Afghanistan since the prehistoric era (BC 4000). Islam praises agriculture as an occupation, and Quran (Anam 98, 140; Araf 57 and Naba 13), provides guidance on farming practices and notes the importance of crop diversification. These, besides giving identity and spirit to Afghan agriculture, lay the foundation for its advancement and encourage investment in this sector. An ancient custom persists in Afghanistan: at Nawruz fest (Afghan New Year) people plant seedlings of trees (mostly fruiting) and determine to look after them throughout life. Currently, agriculture is the largest production sector in Afghanistan with almost the three quarters of the population depending on agriculture for livelihood. It contributes about 53% to GDP and employs 67% of workforce of the nation. FAO considers that Afghanistan has a potential to become food-secure owing to its rich soil and water resources.

(2) Legal base

Constitution (Article 14) of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan- 2004, urges the Government to mobilize all available resources for development of agriculture and livestock sector, improvement of economic, social and living conditions of farmers and herders, as well as settlement and betterment of living conditions of nomads. Article 15 stipulates that the state is obliged to adopt necessary measures for safeguarding forests and the environment.

To encourage farming and boost agriculture, Law of Land Management- 2008 of Afghanistan gives advantages to the private sector. Articles 39 and 48 of the Law allow sale of state lands (virgin/unutilized) to individuals and private companies at a rational price for establishing agricultural farms. Land receivers can make the payment by installments within a 10-year period. Article 66 of the law sets limits for transferring state land to individual and private sector as follows: up to 50ha to individuals and up to 1,000ha to farming and joint companies Article 90 of the law forbids use of agricultural lands for non-agricultural purposes.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) is responsible for dealing with land affairs in the country (Article 4). In declaring an area as private arable land, other custodians also get involved: representative of the Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) who fixes water right of the land; representative of the Ministry of Finance who decides the tax rate; and representative of MAIL who notifies the class of the land (potential for farming). Article 40 of the Law divides the arable lands into seven classes as shown in Table 1.1. Each class has a coefficient for calculating its relevant tax.

Tax on arable land is AFN 50/Jarib/year for class 1, while that of class 2 is 42.5, because AFN 50 0.85 (coefficient) = AFN 42.5/Jarib/year tax of land in class 2. Similarly, for other classes tax per Jarib is calculated (1 Jarib = 2,000m2).

In accordance with Article 3 of Presidential Decree Number 83 of November 2007, government should look-after Karez, affiliated land and water distribution system, if they have no formal owner and left uncared.

Environment Law-2007 urges MAIL to endeavor for desertification control, promotion of vegetation and wise use of forest and pasturelands (Articles 44-45).

Forestry Management Act- 2008 emphasizes on proper management and sustainable utilization of



1.1-2

forests and pastures (Article 1) to ensure their social and environmental benefits and conserve the biological-diversity (Article 4). This Act restricts changes in the use of forests to other land uses.

Table 1.1 Land Classification by Suitability for Farming Land class Suitability for farming Tax coefficient

Class 1 Orchards and vineyards 1.00 Class 2 2-season irrigation possible 0.85

Class 3 In 1 season irrigation, more than 50% of land area annually cultivated or irrigated 0.67

Class 4 In 1 season irrigation, less than 50% of land area annually cultivated or irrigated 0.40

Class 5 Rain-fed land with 1year cultivation alternate 0.20 Class 6 Rain-fed land with 2year cultivation alternate 0.15

Class 7 Rain-fed land with more than 2year cultivation alternate 0.10

(3) Agriculture Master Plan (2006-2010)

The Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), approved by government in 2005, has 8 pillars, with pillar 6 setting long-term strategic vision for Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure social, economic and political welfare of farming communities. ANDS strategize a productive and commercially oriented agriculture to integrate farm households in national economy.

Rooting in ANDS, the Agriculture Master Plan (2006-2010) was furnished by MAIL and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2005 with the spirit of boosting the agriculture sector, reducing poverty in farming areas, and contributing to food-security of the nation. Infusion of a healthy blood into the paralyzed (by unrest) body of agriculture, make it functional and clean from illegal poppy cultivation would be praised as contribution of master plan to anti-narcotic efforts. The master plan covers seven programs with defined targets, Logical Framework Matrices objectives, expected results, indicators, and risks.

MAIL estimates that to realize these programs over a five-year period totally US$2456.3 million is required, of which 30% will come from MAIL budget, 35% from donors (NGOs) and 35% from the private sector. If the realization of the master plan, an annual growth of 6% in agriculture sector on average is expected. MAIL considers the Donor and NGO communities as main partners of master plan and wishes to achieve the short and long terms objectives of its programs through financial, technical and consultancy support of these communities.

The summary of the master plan’s programs is as follows.

Program 1: Food Security

This program aims at improvement of food security, nutrition and livelihoods of households, particularly women and children, by assuring higher production, better employment opportunities and increased income. The program is inline with documents of Agenda 21, Rio-1992 (chapter 14, program A), wherein states that the “governments should formulate, introduce and monitor policy and legislations leading to improved food security.”

Program 2: Horticulture

This program stipulates establishment of standard community-based nurseries with improved varieties for caring and distribution of fruit tree saplings throughout the country to increase the export of fresh and dried fruits. Its target is to tenth-fold the horticultural export by the middle of the next decade. The program also encourages pest and disease control to minimize the losses in production system. Gradual conversion of poppy cultivation areas to productive horticultural plantation is among activities of this program. The program also encourages rehabilitation of old orchards, creation of new orchards, introduction of water saving method, and establishment of cold storage and processing facility for grape, almond and others.



1.1-3

Program 3: Livestock

This program is designed to increase productivity of the livestock sector through improved nutrition, disease control, modernization/hybridization of dairy farms, provisions of efficient veterinary services, and enforcement/introduction of rule and regulations in this sector. If this program succeeds, a sustainable privatized animal health and production service will be available to most livestock keepers by 2010. Promotion of sericulture, apiculture and aquaculture is also stipulated in this program.

Program 4: Natural Resources Management

This program is designed to restore and conserve the natural resources through identification and execution of watershed management projects, and realization of community-managed forest and rangeland management plans. This program is expected to bring biodiversity of the country under protection of local communities and public institutions by investing US$152 million over a 5-year period. The program would also largely contribute in introduction of policy and legislation for protection/sustainable utilization of natural resources in the country.

Program 5: Rural Infrastructure and Irrigation

Through this program, the traditional irrigation networks are rehabilitated and, combined with modern irrigation systems, water-use efficiency is improved, thereby making more water available for expansion of farming areas. Water users’ groups are strengthened/established to undertake the operation, maintenance and management of irrigation facilities. Cold storage, silo, transport and marketing facilities as well as structures to regulate the irrigation water are also furnished through the program.

Program 6: Market Expansion

Considering that Afghan agriculture suffers from inadequate access to market and marketing information, this program aims at introducing credit mechanism and institutional reforms for enabling producers to develop their enterprises effectively and adopt standards necessary for competing at international markets. It is within the program’s scope and activities to establish market-related legislations (laws and regulations) and organizations (e.g., agricultural cooperatives and investors unions) to support commercial farming. Government’s agricultural properties/responsibilities are privatized through the program. Under the program, FAO has established a Food, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Information Management and Policy unit (FAAHM) to collect, analyze and disseminate information on agriculture, food security and commodity prices.

Program 7 Capacity Building

With this program the capacity of MAIL and its affiliated provincial and district organs, particularly of women personnel, will be enhanced to facilitated their participation in decision making process, as well as enabling them to manage demand-oriented and adaptive research and extension programs in collaboration with private sector, NGOs and international donors. In capacity-building efforts, all groups such as policy maker, administrator, researcher, extension worker, cultivators and livestock keepers are covered.

1.1.2 Government organizations

(1) Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) is the principal body responsible for progress of agriculture and welfare of farming communities. Currently (2008) it has 5,111 personnel, comprising of 305 senior and 4,806 junior. Organization chart of MAIL is shown in Appendix A; and some of its functions are listed below, as extracted from the book: Activities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, published by the ministry in 2006.

1) Setting policy/strategies and formulating plans for agricultural development and betterment of living conditions of farming communities



1.1-4

2) Conducting studies to find/make standards, and introduce means for effective utilization of water and other agricultural inputs

3) Assuring availability of agricultural machinery, agro-chemicals and improved agro-inputs (high-yield crop variety, hybrid animal)

4) Transferring state arable lands to farmers for efficient cultivation, based on prevailing regulation

5) Establishing, rehabilitating and protecting the irrigation schemes

6) Constructing small dams and other water structures within irrigation system

7 Providing technical guidance to farmers on improved agricultural practices for increasing farm productivity

8) Taking part in drilling deep wells for agriculture and livestock purposes, with coordination of other agencies (ministry of mines)

9) Dealing with land issues and cooperating in land delineation tasks

(2) Provincial administration

The Ministry has an Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Directorate in each province, which deals with farming and livestock issues at province level. The organizational chart of Directorate for Kabul province is Appendix B; and functions of its departments are listed below. Each Provincial Directorate has an Agriculture Management Unit in every district with technical personnel in different disciplines. The structure of the Dehsabz Agriculture Management Unit is presented in Appendix C.

Department of Agriculture Extension acts as a contact point between farmers and government, provides extension works for introducing new farming technique and inputs (hybrid genetic materials), and execute pilot farms in rural areas to demonstrate effect of a technique/new input to farmers.

Department of Forestry nurses seed and seedling of ornamental plants and distributes them to people for planting to enhance greenery. In 2008, it distributed 20,000 seedlings to individuals and public establishments such as hospitals, hotels, schools, and children’s parks. The Department establishes artificial forests in governmental lands, cares and support natural forests, and strives for conservation of natural vegetation in pastures and woodlands.

Department of Cooperative encourages and assists cooperatives, and registers the cooperatives and maintains the relevant documents.

Department of Plant Protection identifies pests and plant diseases, and means of damage to agriculture, takes measures to prevent occurrence of pests and diseases, endeavors for treatment of affected plants, visits affected fields and writes prescriptions for farmers to buy materials for treatment, and lends tools required in pest control for farmers to do operation (sprayer).

Department of Veterinary has 16 veterinary stations, consisting of 14 in districts and two in Kabul city. It identifies and treats animal diseases, and endeavor for prevention of diseases through vaccination.

Department of Livestock deals with the affairs of animal husbandry, poultry, fish-culture, apiculture and sericulture, and provides technical guidance to people, including: 1) recommending appreciate feed ration to farmers for growing healthy animals, and 2) collecting and maintaining the statistics on livestock and related industries, such as number and production of animals, and activities of dairy processing units.

Department of Land Management registers ownership and size of agricultural holding (land parcels) and maintains relevant records to facilitate required changes, whenever land trading take-place. Land trading is free and people can sell and buy lands with registering the changes and obtaining document and evidences. The Department leases the government lands to applicants, and takes care and keeping records of remote and no-guardian lands.

Department of Plan and Policy cooperates with all departments in preparation of their development



1.1-5

plans, collects, analyzes, keeps and publishes the agricultural statistics, supervises and coordinates affairs of agriculture units in the districts. As well cooperates with national and international institutions and NGOs working in agriculture sector, conveys problems and demands of farmers to the Government, and informs the people about government views and actions for removal of problems, and endeavors for exact execution of agricultural related laws/governmental orders.

1.1.3 Agricultural practices

Afghan agriculture is basically traditional and characterized by the followings:

1) Predominant form of production is low-risk, low input peasant farming for subsistence with yield determined by amount and pattern of rainfall

2) Crop varieties grown are almost all local, established by farmer selection through generations

3) Use of animal power and energy of family members in farming practices

4) No or weak connection of farmers with market and distribution system

5) Susceptibility to pests, diseases and natural disasters such as drought and cool injury

6) Least attention is paid to production efficiency and quality of products

Afghanistan has capacity to store 150,000t of its strategic cereals (e.g., wheat) in silos in four cities: 50,000t in Kabul (Kabul prov.), 40,000t in Poleh Khomeri (Paghmaran prov.), 40,000t in Mazari Sharif (Kandahar prov.), and 20,000t in Herat (Herat prov.). These silos can store the cereals with least damage (loss and spoilage) for one year more or less by applying effective technical measures.

1.1.4 Constraints and prospects

(1) Constraints to agricultural development

Agriculture in Afghanistan is constrained generally by the following:

1) Presence of mines and noxious elements in farming areas, which hinder development activities and threat security of developers

2) Lack of systematic data collection and analysis system and absence of reliable statistics, which hinder agricultural development studies and planning

3) Lack of information on soil/land potentials for agricultural development as no systematic survey has been carried out for decades

4) No systematic and coordinated efforts for pests (e.g., insects and rats), diseases and weed control, for with the current production regime about 55% of potential yield is lost annually to the combined damages by these elements and the harsh climatic conditions (frost, heat and untimely rains)

5) Poor/insufficient extension services with only 240 extension units with 680 personnel operating throughout the Country, some being managed by one or two personnel with least working facilities (transport and communication)

6) Unclear responsibilities among related institutions such as MAIL and MoEW, which delay in budget allocation and implementation of improvement projects

7) No definite legislation/regulation on utilization of national natural resources

8) Least efforts and wisdom of cultivators for marketing the produce

9) Decreasing investment in agriculture due to political uncertainty and financial insecurity

(2) Prospects of agriculture development in Afghanistan

Positive aspects of agriculture in Afghanistan include the following:



1.1-6

1) Diverse climatic zones with a plenty of sunshine due to high altitude and small precipitation, ample water resources with five major rivers and promising groundwater aquifers, and fertile soils

2) Presence of hard working rural population traditionally engaging in agriculture

3) Potentials of women as labor force as pursued by the Economic Development Department of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), coupled with the efforts of Home Economic Department of MAIL for involvement of women in agricultural tasks

4) Supports by international aid society including FAO and other international institutions, NGOs and individual experts eager to provide technical assistance and professional guidance

5) Presence of Afghan Diaspora willing to make investments in rural Afghanistan, and returned refugees offering plenty of labor force

6) Export opportunities, particularly in the Middle East, Europe and USA open to Afghan agricultural products

1.2 Agriculture in Kabul Metropolitan Area

1.2.1 Agriculture in Kabul city

(1) Agricultural land

The distribution of agricultural lands in the Kabul city by district is summarized in Table 1.2. The total agricultural land in the city is 143.2km2 or 14.0% of the city land area. In nine out of 22 districts, the agricultural land occupies more than 10% of the respective district land area. The shares of agricultural land are particularly large in Districts 16 (45.6%), 18 (43.8%), 8 (32.8%) and 14 (30.0%).

Table 1.2 Distribution of Agricultural Land in Kabul City District Agricultural land Share (%) Unknown land (km2) Total (km2)

1 0.03 0.62 0.03 4.83 2 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.84 3 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.11 4 0.00 0.00 0.00 11.72 5 2.50 8.79 0.00 28.45 6 5.22 10.61 0.00 49.18 7 2.45 7.35 0.00 33.34 8 15.84 32.83 0.00 48.25 9 5.53 22.73 0.00 24.33

10 0.01 0.08 0.00 13.03 11 0.03 0.17 0.76 17.42 12 7.74 22.18 0.00 34.90 13 1.39 2.95 0.00 47.19 14 35.68 29.98 45.29 119.02 15 1.90 5.84 0.00 32.53 16 11.43 45.59 0.00 25.07 17 0.02 0.04 7.09 56.02 18 14.84 43.80 11.89 33.88 19 0.48 0.34 58.47 141.43 20 21.92 15.34 65.30 142.94 21 1.04 1.63 41.93 63.95 22 15.16 19.13 0.00 79.25

Total 143.21 14.00 230.76 1,022.68 Source: Report on Preparation of Development Plan for Kabul by the ICT team

supported by World Bank, 2008

Even in District 12 with a large planned urban area and District 9 with industrial areas, agricultural



1.1-7

land occupies over 20%. Agricultural land in Districts 19, 20 and 21 may be underestimated as substantial areas in respective districts are classified as unknown land without data. Little or no agricultural land exists in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11 and 17, while a few hundred hectares of agricultural land remains in Districts 5, 6, 7, 13 and15.

(2) Agricultural production and marketing

The Agricultural land in Kabul city is utilized for crop cultivation, grapevines and orchards, and stock raising. Commonly cultivated crops are cereals, particularly wheat, and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, and other seasonal vegetables. Fruits produced in the city include apples, figs, peaches, sour cherries and almonds. Goats and some sheep are commonly grazed not only in agricultural land and vacant land but urbanized areas as well.

Prices of major agricultural product in markets of Kabul are presented in Table 1.3. Prices of same product may differ according to origins, quality, and season. For example, price of apples imported from Pakistan is typically AFN 80/kg, while that of Iran is AFN 150/kg. There is a wholesale market in Kabul, where farm products are pooled and sold at wholesale prices. In general, wholesale prices are AFN 3 lower than retail price, and farm-gate price is AFN 5 lower than wholesale price (Figure 1.1). Products sold in Kabul markets come mostly from abroad and places out of Kabul province. An inquiry by the JICA Study Team (JST) in 2008 indicates that about 80% of farm commodities including eggs and banana consumed in Kabul metropolitan area are imported ones, largely from Pakistan, China, and Iran.

Due to the lack of storage facilities for vegetable and fruits in the Kabul area, intermediaries come at peak season to buy the produces (potato) at low farm gate prices, pack and take them to Pakistan for storage, and then return during off-peak season to sell them at much high prices. Some products are processed and then return to Afghanistan.

Figure 1.1 Comparison of Potato Prices in Kabul Area

Table 1.3 Prices of Agro-products at Retail Shops in Kabul Product AFN/kg Origin

Almond 330 Afghanistan

Apple 50 Afghanistan 80 Pakistan 150 Iran

Banana 80 Pakistan 120 Indonesia, Philippines Beef 170 Afghanistan, Pakistan Cabbage 35 Afghanistan Cucumber 40 Iran Egg 90 Pakistan Eggplant 25 Afghanistan Fresh milk 80 Afghanistan

05

10152025

Farm-gate Wholesale-market Retail-shopLocation

Price

(Afg

hani

/kg)



1.1-8

Product AFN/kg Origin Fresh yogurt 40 Afghanistan Grape 35 Afghanistan Kiwi 150 Iran Melon 19 Afghanistan Mutton 220 Afghanistan, Pakistan Onion 20 Afghanistan Orange 120 Pakistan

Pear 100 China 110 Afghanistan Pepper 80 Afghanistan Pistachio 350 Afghanistan

Pomegranate 50 Afghanistan 100 Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan Potato 20 Afghanistan Poultry (alive) 160 Afghanistan Poultry (meat) 110 Pakistan, China Pulses 150 Afghanistan Radish 15 Afghanistan Raisin 150 Afghanistan Spinach, leek 50 Afghanistan Tomato 25 Pakistan Tomato 40 Afghanistan Wheat 35 Afghanistan, Pakistan

Source: Market survey by JICA study team, May-September 2008

1.2.2 Agriculture in Dehsabz

(1) Agricultural land use

The land classification for the State land is shown in Table 1.4. As seen from the table, some 7,400ha corresponding to 58% of the total State land is classified arable. Of the private land occupying some 27,000ha, 16.7% is used for rain-fed grains, 1.4% for irrigated grains, and 5.6% for irrigated orchards. Including 28.5% of the land occupied by fallow land and natural vegetation that could be used for grazing, the agricultural land occupies 52.2% of private land. Currently (2008), in total, agricultural land in Dehsabz covers the area of some 21,500ha. About 10% of this area is under irrigation (Archive of Dehsabz Agriculture Management Unit and fieldworks by the JICA Study Team, May-September 2008).

Table 1.4 Classification of State Land in Dehsabz, 2008

Land type Area (ha) % of total Note Arable land 7,369 58.2 Woodland 11 0.1 Grassland 125 1.0 Hilly land 247 2.0 Abandoned 2,211 17.5 Gravelly land Rocky 823 6.5 Mountainous area Others 1,856 14.7 Residential, roads

Total 12,642 100.0 Source: Archive of land management directorate of Kabul province, 2008

Most soils in Dehsabz are clay loam with moderate alkalinity, less permeability and low fertility, enable to support growth of field and orchards crops if farming tasks (e.g., watering and fertilization) are rationally undertaken.

(2) Land prices

Land prices in Dehsabz vary widely, depending on the location, quality as farmland and other factors.



1.1-9

Orchard and vineyards usually have the highest price (could be up to AFN 2.5 million/ha), followed by irrigated grain fields (AFN 1.5 million/ha), while hilly lands are of lowest price (AFN 1.0 million/ha), as inquired by JST from the reliable concerned persons in the area.

(3) Agricultural production and marketing

Agricultural land use, production and water sources for agricultural use are quite different between the eastern and the western parts of Dehsabz. In the eastern part of Dehsabz, springs are main sources of water with four major springs at Abdara, Qashkar, Dehsabz Khas and Khojaghar. Irrigated agriculture is practiced to produce a wide variety of fruits, including grapes, rock melons, apples, peaches, pears, plums, sour cherries, almonds and pistachios as well as vegetables. Marketing of fruits depends on traders, who come and pack them for marketing in Kabul and export to Pakistan. Rain-fed wheat production is also widely practiced on terraced land to receive rainfalls more effectively. Livestock such as cattle, goats and sheep, as well chickens are kept mostly for local consumption, but limited milk, yogurt and cheese are marketed in Kabul.

In the western part of Dehsabz, grapevines are dominant agricultural land use, and other crops include apricot, almond, wheat, maize and barley. Grape production is all under irrigation. Water sources are mainly two canals: Ajmir stream branching from the Kabul river to supply water at 1.0m3/sec, and Mastan stream branching from the Logar river with a discharge of 0.5m3/sec. There are also 420 private wells, mostly deep ones, as noted by Dehsabz Agriculture Management Unit- 2008.

Grape is marketed, and other crops are mostly consumed by family members or fed to livestock. Some Grapes produced in Dehsabz fit to making raisins. Farmers having large farmland with irrigation facilities may produce two crop of wheat per year and market some of surplus. Some households grow leafy vegetables such as spinach, coriander and mint, as well onion and potatoes mostly for self-consumption, during March through August.

Typical cropping patterns in Dehsabz are illustrated in Figure 1.2. As seen from the figure, harvesting time for grains and some fruits tend to concentrate in June-July period. Farm-gate prices in Dehsabz are summarized in Table 1.5.

Figure 1.2 Current Cropping Patterns in Dehsabz Area, 2008

Farming operation during the Months

Irrigated spring wheat

Rainfed wheat

Irrigated maize

Irrigated barley

Potato

Onion

Leafy vegetable

Grape

Apricot

Sowing time (land preparation works are also undertaken) Growth period (irrigation, fertilization, pest/weed control, and thinning works) Harvest time

Grain field is irrigated every 2-week, and orchard every 3-week. Vegetables (radish, spearmints, coriander) are irrigated every 10-day

CropsOctober

Irrigated autumn wheat

SeptemberJuly AugustJanuary February May June November DecemberMarch April



1.1-10

Table 1.5 Farm-gate Prices of Products in Dehsabz Area, 2008

Crop Grape Almond Wheat Maize Barley Onion Potato Spinach, leek AFN/kg 9 300 25 17 17 12 12 29

Source: Site observation by JICA study team, May-September 2008

Plant diseases and pests occur sometimes in Dehsabz area; which include mealy bug, powdery mildew, anthracnose, cicada, and woolly apple aphid.

There are four primary agricultural cooperatives with a total of 250-member operating in Dehsabz. A primary cooperative provides services at village level.

Animal husbandry is practiced widely in Dehsabz by both sedentary and nomad people. Nomadic people (about 800 families, with total population of 5,600) come to the Dehsabz during March to September for grazing their livestock on natural vegetation. Livestock kept by sedentary and nomad people in Dehsabz are roughly estimated as shown in Table 1.6.

Table 1.6 Livestock and Poultry Population in Dehsabz

People Livestock Poultry Sheep Goat Cow Hen Cock/other Sedentary 16,800 11,200 1,200 32,000 8,000 Nomad 12,000 8,000 Not significant Source: Archive of Dehsabz Agriculture Management Unit, 2008

(4) Farm budgets

A typical farm budget for grape production (at vineyards) is worked out, based on field works and information analysis by JST: On an average 1,500 vines are planted in 1.0ha of land, and each vine produces 14kg of grapes per year under irrigation. Grape production, therefore, is 21t/ha/year. In areas of irregular water availability, the yield may be lower. Yields depend also on the age of plants, and middle age plants of 40 years old more or less give the highest yields. Spacing of planting commonly applied is 2m by 2.5m. Taking the farm-gate price of AFN 9/kg, the annual gross income from vineyard is AFN 189,000. When dried under natural condition, this 21-ton fresh grape makes 6 ton of raisin (3.5kg grapes make 1.0kg raisin), and market price of 6 tons raisin is AFN 900,000.

A typical yield of grains under rain-fed condition is 1.7t/ha. With farm-gate price of AFN 25/kg, the annual income is calculated to be AFN 42,500. In irrigated area, double cropping can be done for spring and autumn harvests to double the income. Rain-fed barley yields to 1.0t/ha for annual income of AFN 17,000.

Farm budget for tomato, as representative of vegetables, is worked out: Each hectare of plantation produces about 23 tons of tomato, with a farm-gate monetary value of AFN 391,000. If this 23-ton is dried under natural condition, it results in 1.6 tons with a retail monetary value of AFN 246,429. At peak season, people usually dry the tomato to keep it safe for sell or consumption in off-season. Retail price of dried tomato is 7.5 times higher than that fresh farm-gate price.

Alike wheat, potato is a strategic crop grown in Kabul metropolitan area. One hectare of potato plantation produces 15 tons, with a farm-gate monetary value of AFN 135,450. Demand for potato is high, because it is used in preparing many traditional meal and local snacks such as chips, pakura, and sambusa.

Figures given above are for gross incomes, in Afghan farming, net income, after detecting all expenses (seed, agro-chemical, labor, watering) is estimated at 25% of gross income. Thus to have idea on net farm budget these figures should be multiply by 0.25. For grape 189,000 x 0.25 = AFN 7,250 net income/ha/year.



1.1-11

1.2.3 Agriculture in Barikab

(1) Agricultural land, rural communities and population

The land in Barikab totaling 7,454ha belongs historically to the Government, but is currently used by people in a traditional manner without legal permit. There exist 24 rural communities with a total population of 31,680 as of July 2008. In accordance with the Law of Land Management- 2008, the Land Management Department of MAIL is in charge of the Barikab land for delineation, registration and leasing.

Practically the entire land in Barikab is considered cultivated, with 7,178ha under rain-fed conditions and 222ha under irrigation. Irrigation water comes from three wells installed with pumps, each supplying about 7ℓ/sec. Average annual rainfall is about 500mm and groundwater stands at 35m deep. The temperature ranges from -10C in winter to +35C in summer. Depending on the area, soils are sandy loam, clay loam and silty loam with moderate alkalinity (pH 7.5-8.1). During May-July winds blow at a velocity up to 40km/hour in the north-south direction.

Generally, the area is fit for cultivation of various field and orchard crops, though currently grapes and rain-fed wheat are mostly grown. The site inquiry by JST indicates that about 80 to 100 nomad households with total population of 560 to 700 persons, transit in the area during April to July. The number of nomadic livestock, comprising of goat and sheep is estimated at 4,500 heads.

(2) Land prices

Prices of land in Barikab are generally much lower than the land prices in Dehsabz as Barikab is located further away from Kabul. Flat arable lands in vicinity of villages are of high price (AFN 1.0 million/ha), in central parts of plain (AFN 0.75 million/ha), and other lands (hilly, undulating) are of AFN 0.25 million/ha, as inquired by JST from reliable concerned persons in the area.

State land in Barikab is also leased to applicants for farming purposes (precondition) at a rate of 105kg of wheat/ha/year. As mentioned in Presidential Decree Number 1943 of August 2005, payment can be made in kind (crop) or cash. Leasing period is usually for 3 years with option of extension. Article 64 of law of land management allows lease extension up to 90 years. In current circumstance (2008) about 7,000ha of state land is available for sell or lease to eligible applicants at a rational rate. MAIL in collaboration with DCDA and other relevant institutes, has determined to clarify the status of lands in Barikab for leasing them to private sector to increase the government revenues, and utilize the national resources in an efficient and profitable manner.

(3) Agricultural production

Typical cropping patterns are shown in Figure 1.3. The average yield of grapes is 21t/ha/year, and that of rain-fed wheat is low at 0.7t/ha/year. Local varieties of grapes (Hussaini and Shengelkhani) and wheat (Roshan and Anghlab) are grown.

In localities with access to sufficient water, potato, onion, melons and other summer crops are also grown. Farming operation for such crops is done from mid March to mid September, including irrigation with 12-day intervals. Farming is done mainly by household members, but seasonal labor is also used during grape harvest time in August to November. Labor wage is about AFN 250/day. In other months, fertilization, pest/weed control and pruning of vines are undertaken. Among fertilizer and agro-chemicals applied to farmlands are ammonium phosphate, urea, potassium, sulfur and manure. The market prices of these materials are given in Table 1.7.

Table 1.7 Prices of Agro-inputs Used in Barikab Area

Product Ammonium phosphate UreaPotassiumfertilizer

Farm manure Insecticide Pesticide

Price (AFN/kg) 40 14 14 1 500 500 Source: Market survey by JICA study team, May-September, 2008

Plant pests such as cicada and diseases such as wheat rust and powdery mildew occur in the area.



1.1-12

Figure 1.3 Current Cropping Patterns in Barikab Area, 2008

People in Barikab raise livestock and poultry for both self-consumption and sell. The livestock population in Barikab is estimated as shown in Table 1.8.

Table 1.8 Livestock and Poultry Population in Barikab Area, 2008

Cow Calve Sheep Goat Donkey Horse Total livestock Total poultry 1,293 791 7,509 1,508 19 4 1,1124 7,105

Source: Archive of Gharabagh Agriculture Management Unit, 2008

Insecticides and pesticides such as Lambda Cyhalothrin, and Copper Oxychloride, in liquid and powder forms are available in market. Most of agro-chemicals are imported from Pakistan and China, but farmers claim those are of high price and inferior quality.

Operation during the Months

Rain-fed wheat

Grape

Potato

Onion

Melons

Sowing time (land preparation works are also undertaken)

Growth period (irrigation, fertilization, pest/weed control, and thinning works)

Harvest time

In an average, grape is irrigated 10 times/year (every 3 weeks) Potato and others are irrigated 3 times/month Rain-fed wheat receive no attention, but occasional hand pulling of weeds and application of urea and manure.

DecemberAugust September October NovemberCrops

January February March April May June July



1.2-1

CHAPTER 2 CONSTRAINTS AND PROSPECTS FOR AGRICULTURE IN KMA

2.1 Common Constraints to Agricultural Development in KMA

Agriculture in the KMA is constrained generally by the following factors:

(1) Unavailability or insufficiency of water in farmlands

(2) Limited access to agricultural credit/loans

(3) Lack of agricultural machinery and technology

(4) Poor system of provision and distribution of agro-inputs such as seed, fertilize and, pesticide

(5) Irrational pricing system with high input prices and low output prices

(6) Lack of cold storage and marketing facilities, and poor road conditions for transport of agro-products

(7) Poor administrative capacity and data collection and management system

(8) Poor research, training, education and extension services

(9) Prevalence of weed, pest and diseases, and lack of control system

(10) Low efficiency of water conveyance/distribution network, and high water losses

(11) Unavailability of technical and financial supports to farmers for intensifying their activities

(12) Lack of veterinary materials such as vaccines and medicines for controlling livestock diseases

(13) Poor health of farmers due to psychological stress imposed by prolonged internal unrest

(14) Illiteracy of farmers, obstacles access to domestic and global trade and technical information

2.2 Constraints and Prospects for Agricultural Development in Dehsabz

Agricultural development in Dehsabz faces the following constraints:

(1) Acute shortages of water, including unstable availability of water conveyed by the canals from the Kabul river and the Logar river, limited groundwater, and ineffective Karez systems with limited water

(2) Confusion related to land issues such as land dispute between Government and people, unstable status or lack of land permits, and threat of eviction

(3) Inadequate access roads and lack of transport facilities constraining marketing of produce, and dependence on outside traders which suppresses farm-gate prices

(4) Prevalence of plant diseases and pests, and occurrence of cold injury to orchards

(5) Growth of weed on farm and in irrigation canals

(6) Prevalence of traditional farming practices of low productivity without mechanization

(7) Lack of post-harvest, marketing and processing facilities

(8) Occurrence of rocky sites (about 823 ha) limits expansion of cultivation area

Despite the constraints as listed above, the Dehsabz area has some favorable conditions for agricultural development. First, the vast flat land is available that would not need much leveling works and allows application of tractors and other agricultural machinery. Second, the soil conditions are generally favorable, being sandy-loam with proper drainage and aeration for healthy plant growth. While water shortage is a serious constraint, some hilly/sloppy lands are suitable for rainwater harvesting.

Most promising prospects are foreseen associated with the planned new city development, which



1.2-2

would provide opportunities to expand water availability, and improve soil conditions through promoting complementary relationships between urban and rural areas. The new city would offer the most accessible urban market for a range of agricultural products produced in the existing villages. The new city development would also bring new technology for advanced crop production such as drip irrigation and greenhouse and other facility agriculture. Dehsabz has easy access to three populated provinces (Panjshir, Kapisa and Parwan), as potential markets for its future products.

2.3 Constraints and Prospects for Agricultural Development in Barikab

Agricultural development in Barikab area is constrained by the following factors:

(1) Controversial land ownership, where the Government claims the ownership of the entire arable land that is cultivated by the people without formal permission, creating uncertain and risky situations to hinder efforts and investments for agriculture development

(2) Insufficient irrigation water limiting the expansion of farmlands

(3) Lack of quality, high-yielding seeds

(4) Unavailability of agricultural machinery and implements

(5) Shortages and high prices of fertilizer and agro-chemical such as pesticides and herbicides

(6) Weed, plant pests and diseases prevail in the area

The Barikab area appears more favorable for immediate agricultural development as water availability is better there than in Dehsabz. Both surface water and groundwater resources are available, though in limited quantity. Groundwater tables are 40m deep, more or less. The Barikab area shares with the Dehsabz area the same advantages such as abundant sunshine, relatively flat land and slope land suitable for rainwater harvesting, and favorable soil conditions particularly for vineyards and other high value crops.

For the land is owned by the Government, support facilities may be established by MAIL such as a research station, and pilot projects implemented to establish new production schemes in the area. The State land may be leased to the private sector for establishment of large commercial farms furnished with advanced farming techniques and modern machinery. Many job-seeking persons in the area can be absorbed in modern agriculture, thereby easing the unemployment problem and uplifting living status of the people.



1.3-1

CHAPTER 3 STRATEGY FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN KMA

3.1 KMA Agricultural Development Issues

Based on the analysis on existing agriculture in Afghanistan and the KMA, issues to be addressed in agricultural development in the KMA are identified as follows. Most issues are common in other regions with similar natural and physical conditions.

(1) Put the KMA agriculture in a course that production no more be for self-consumption but be oriented to domestic and global markets.

(2) Establish a market-demand oriented production system, instead of current household-subsistence oriented farming and self-choice cropping.

(3) Conserve and nurse the high potential arable lands and utilize them in an efficient and productive manner by introducing appropriate planting materials and techniques.

(4) Alter cropping and farming practices in low potential lands to assure satisfactory yield and sustainable production.

(5) Attain higher production per unit area through introduction of quality inputs and efficient cultural system.

(6) Reduce losses in production system by taking measures for controlling weed, pest and diseases in farming areas.

(7) Prevent spoilage of farm products through provision of cold storage facilities.

(8) Promote crop diversification to minimize the risk in production system, and improve diet diversity by enlarging the choice spectrum.

(9) Ensure food safety through establishment of sanitary collection facilities in farming area.

(10) Improve and expand the on-farm irrigation networks to increase water availability, and reduce the anxiety of dry farming.

(11) Encourage establishment of communication roads, transport and marketing facilities, and provision of business knowledge and managerial skills.

3.2 KMA Agricultural Strategy

To address the issues identified above, the agricultural strategy in the KMA is established with the following components:

(1) Enhancement of existing rational production system through provision of quality inputs (seeds, fertilizer and implements)

(2) Gradual modernization of farms through introduction of new farming technique and appropriate technology

(3) Conversion of low yield cereal fields to plots for growing fruit and vegetables to generate higher income per unit area of land

(4) Encouragement of establishment of research stations to ensure regular infusion of new input and techniques in agriculture of the area

(5) Minimization of weed, pest and disease damages by defining appropriate mechanical, chemical and biological measures

(6) Efficient utilization of water through improvement/establishment of on-farm distribution networks



1.3-2

3.3 Agricultural Development Plan for Kabul City

3.3.1 Farming system for Kabul city

For the Kabul city, an urban-based farming system focusing on fruit, flower and vegetable production, even in small plot, is considered. Since expansion of farms in the city is almost impossible due to the limitation in water and land resources, production in the existing farmlands should be increased through prevention of loss caused by pest and diseases, and use of high yielding varieties. In the city, nursing the horticultural crops is beneficial since trees produce fruit, generate oxygen, contribute to soil conservation and facilitate recharging of the groundwater. Other merits of growing fruit trees and flower rather than field crops (e.g., cereals) are as follows.

1) Fruit picking is a simple task not requiring machinery (no noise pollution), being done by man and woman, thus engaging various people.

2) Fruits can be sent to market directly with least transportation cost, and/or be used immediately as raw material to make jam jelly and juice at home, booming the women-oriented home-industry. However, Afghan women are not prepared to go out for job, but as active individuals welcome the job into their homes.

3) Planting vegetation in spaces among the trees would occupy free time of Kabulis (hobby), contribute to their diet, and earn them cash through sales of surplus.

4) Kabul is a windy and dusty area, tree plantation can act as windbreaks to ease the problem.

5) Watering of fruit/flower can be done by water-saving methods (drip, sprinkler), so more water become available for other purposes such drinking.

6) Locality unfit for fruit cultivation can be planted with flowers such as rose, which have demand in flower and cosmetic businesses as material for decoration and extraction of fume, or used for growing vegetables.

7) Availability of plants (fruit tree, flower) provides opportunity for promotion of apiculture and expansion of honey and related businesses.

8) Plants will grow with least harm, because the Islamic teachings and Afghan culture/wisdom, strongly emphases on nursing the trees to safeguard plantation against intentional damages.

9) Some ornamental plants can also be grown around the fruit trees for fencing, as well attracting the pest, and disease-causing agents to reduce their damages on crops.

3.3.2 Plants suitable for Kabul city

Among the plants suitable for the Kabul city, some are mentioned below.

(1) Almond

Almond can be planted at any season, require artificial watering only in first few months to establish its roots. Thereafter it will depend on natural precipitation for growth and production. However plant produces fruit one year after planting, it usually attains maturity (fully production) at third year. Scion for propagation is available in commercial nurseries in Kabul with average price of AFN 100 /shoot. It can be planted at hilly and undulating lands to produce fruit, contribute in soil and water conservation (reduce runoff, promote infiltration, recharge groundwater), and betterment of living environment. The suitable planting rate for almond is about 400 trees/ha planted 5m apart and work of 25-person days is required to plant one hectare. With the average wage of labor at AFN 300/day, the total cost of planting 1.0ha, including 5% for miscellaneous) is AFN 49,875 as detailed below.

Almond scion: AFN 400100 = 40,000 Labor wage: AFN 25300 = 7,500 Miscellaneous: 5% of total = 40,000+7,5000.05 = 2,375 Grand total: AFN 49,875 /ha Source: Market survey by JICA study team, May-September, 2008



1.3-3

(2) Apple

Apple scions can be bought at an average price of AFN 100 each and planted at a rate of 400 tree/ha with 25-person days as mentioned for almond. Apple should preferably be planted in light soils and irrigated every 10 days with proper fertilization, pruning and weed and pest control measures.

(3) Other fruits

Apricot, peach, pear, plum, grape, fig, and other fruits can also be similarly grown. Attention should be paid to water availability, soil conditions and plot size. Plants requiring least water, adaptive to various soils, occupying less space (with closer planting distances), and producing high yield are ideal for the Kabul city.

(4) Rose flower

Rose is recommended for segregated plots within the city to gain cash, enhance beauty and attract tourist and artists (photographers). Scion for planting can be bought from authorized sources at a price of AFN 10/shoot. Rose does not required much water, easy to manage and has high market demand, for being used fresh or extracting fume. Even some herbs (industrial or medicinal) such as saffron and cumin can also be nursed along with fruit and flower plantation.

(5) Other plants and considerations

Some non-fruiting trees are also planted around the fruit plantation to serve as fencing and produce wood, as old plants are routinely replaced by young saplings. For example, pines that could contribute to greenery and better air quality for the city may be planted in any season and grow by rainwater. However, in first few months after planting it requires some artificial watering to establish it root system. Average price of each scion is AFN 120/shoot. Also, willows are suitable for such purposes. Willow scions are available for AFN 70/shoot, and the appropriate population is 480 plants/ha.

Economic benefits of establishing such plantations in Kabul city, is justified by their functions such as prevention of soil erosion and generation of oxygen. Plants with large canopy reduce erosive impact of raindrops, decrease runoff, and increase infiltration rate of soil through large root system. It has be known that 1.0ha of plantation can produce about 2.0t of oxygen per year, and each ton of oxygen in international carbon-trading system worth US$20.

In general, trees create opportunity for growing vegetables in the area, by maintaining soil moisture regime, provision of litter, and promotion of microbial activity, which increase land fertility. Except harvesting time, plantation does not require much labor; usually for routine works such as hand weeding, application of fertilizer and agro-chemicals 5 persons per hectare is sufficient. Vegetables such as onion, potato, tomato, eggplant, mint, and coriander can be grown in fruit plantation to ensure availability and diversity of farm products.

With increase in tree and flower plantation, apiculture is promoted to produce honey, which can be kept at home without any special storage arrangement, or marketed to gain cash. In general, presence of bee in orchards would help in smooth and timely pollination of fruit trees to increase the overall yield.

It is noted that there is an authorized nursery in Kabul at Badombagh, affiliated with the private sector of MAIL, which can supply bulk of scions timely on demand.

Conversion of unproductive or inefficient cereal fields and vacant spots in the Kabul city to productive orchards and flower gardens is to be accomplished by 2020 through two phases of identification, delineation and documentation of sites (up to 2015), and then planting improved varieties of fruit trees and high demand flower stocks during 2015 to 2020.

3.3.3 Home gardening

It is estimated that there are 218,000 houses in the Kabul city and about 15% of these have



1.3-4

opportunities (space, water source, mood and time) for home gardening (growing edible vegetation). Some were interviewed; they replied: with increase in availability of water, improved seed/saplings, quality agro-chemical, and durable implements (e.g., hoe, dibble, watering can, and garden dippers), intensification of gardening at home is possible.

In principle, the KMA project does not formulate any definite plan for development of home gardening, as it involves the privacy and willingness of individuals. However, the project recommend establishment of a section in Directorate of Kabul province agriculture, irrigation and livestock, where home gardeners may go and receive soft (e.g., guidance for better cultivation, means of repelling pest and disease-causing agent) and hard (e.g., improved seeds and tools) packages for performing a profitable gardening.

MAIL, Kabul municipality, NGOs, donors, and anti-poverty/welfare programs are expected to support the section by financial and technical means. Since strong push for promotion of home gardening could encourage illegal lifting of groundwater by digging no-permit wells at home, this issue must be considered with care/cautious.

Considering winds, landscape, carbon dioxide (Co2) emission, artificial watering and maintenance, green-housing system for Kabul city is not recommended. Instead, utilization of all idle spots for planting trees, flower and vegetables under natural condition is emphasized.

3.4 Agricultural Development Plan for Dehsabz

For Dehsabz a household-based farming system in which cultivation practice, job opportunity/security; defined land ownership, innovation and machinery, as well as managerial ability operate in a productive and sustainable manner, is considered. In this context, household remains the core of farming to produce largely fruit and vegetable with irrigation, and cultivate cereals (e.g., wheat) and fodder crops mostly under rain-fed condition. The policy is to provide incentive and facility for farming, to maximize returns per unit of water and per unit of land, ensuring profitability of agriculture and engaging a large population in its operation. To realize this policy, the following agro-technical strategies are stipulated.

3.4.1 Introduction of water-saving irrigation method

Under the current situation, agricultural water use efficiency for the area is estimated at 25%, well below the global rate and the neighboring Iran of 40%. Considering that the efficiency of some new irrigation methods is up to 90% and the productivity of irrigated fields is at least triple that of rain-fed, introduction of water-saving irrigation method is encouraged.

Currently furrow and flood irrigation methods (surface irrigation), both old and inefficient, are used in the area (cf. examples below). However, it is easy to apply these methods with low running cost, they are labor intensive, irrigates areas between plants where water is not needed, and not suited to light (sandy) soils. High seepage and evaporation rates, stagnation and uneven distribution of water, occurrence of water logging and incidence of water related diseases are other defects

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