Abdul Khaliq is a 40-year-old farmer in Charikari village, Kunduz Province, Afghanistan. He supports a family of 13, including five sons, eight daughters, and a wife. As the sole provider, he has been farming for years, with around two Jeribs of irrigated land.
Abdul Khaliq shares his challenges: “Due to drought, water shortages, and the lack of better seeds and fertilizers in previous years, I struggled to get a decent crop with just one Jerib of land; I could barely produce 420–490 kg of wheat, which didn’t last us even six months.”
He continues, “Hand in Hand Afghanistan Organization initiated a project with the financial support of FAO in Kunduz to support farmers; fortunately, I was also chosen as a beneficiary of this project. They provided me with improved wheat seeds and fertilizers and also organized three training courses covering everything from planting to harvesting, and in addition, we have received guidance and advice from their technical team in the field.”
“With dedication and their support, the results were amazing. Alhamdulillah, I harvested 1,960 Kg of wheat from my two Jeribs of land, which is much better in quality and quantity as compared to the past,” Abdul Khaliq adds.
He plans to keep some wheat seed for next year’s planting, sell some for immediate needs, and store some as flour for home-baked bread.
Abdul Khaliq expresses his gratitude: “I want to thank HIHAO and FAO for this help. I couldn’t afford to get the improved seeds and fertilizers before, but now I’m self-sufficient and happy. I urge them to expand such programs in other underserved areas to reach more needy people.”
