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ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan risks losing 40% of its farmland due to the country&#39;s worst drought in decades, a new monitoring report warned. According to the latest Afghanistan Seasonal Monitor from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, the country is experiencing below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures that have triggered soil moisture deficits across the nation, The crisis marks the sixth consecutive year of poor weather conditions. Farmers are abandoning fields as irrigated crops struggle to survive and rain-fed wheat production continues to fall. Northern and central Afghanistan face precipitation deficits of up to 100 millimeters through December 2025, according to the monitor. Water shortages are exacerbating the crisis in these regions, which are seeing widespread crop failures, particularly in wheat farming, with soil moisture at critically low levels. In the northeast and central parts of the country, where rain-fed crops are vital, many farmers are unable to plant or maintain crops. Even irrigated areas are struggling with declining groundwater levels. A survey released in November by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime found that traditional irrigation systems, such as &quot;qanats&quot;, are failing, forcing farmers to dig deeper wells. Climate change has made droughts more frequent and severe, with above-average temperatures intensifying the situation. Snow water volumes, essential for irrigation, are at their lowest levels in years, the monitor said. Many farmers are seeing their income collapse as 40% of farmland remains unused. Even in irrigated areas, people face difficulties due to water scarcity and climate change. More than 75% of rural households depend on agriculture, and many are struggling with food insecurity, according to the report. The report warned that unless conditions improve, food shortages could worsen, causing higher food prices and economic instability. It predicted that if the situation persists, farmland abandonment and declining crop yields will continue, worsening the crisis for the country&#39;s farmers. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network was established by the US Agency for International Development in 1985 and provides early warning and analysis of acute food insecurity worldwide.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s worst drought in decades has led to widespread crop failures, with severe water shortages exacerbating food insecurity and economic instability, a new report warns.

Afghanistan at risk of losing 40% of farmland in worst drought in decades

ISLAMABAD: Essential food prices across Afghanistan continued to rise in early November, with tomatoes leading the increase, up 35% from last year, according to the World Food Programme&#39;s latest weekly market report. The price increases are squeezing household budgets nationwide as border disruptions with Pakistan and fuel supply constraints push up the cost of necessities. Key price increases Diesel fuel jumped 28% compared to last year, now averaging AFN77.2 ($1.16) per liter. Palawi rice, the preferred long-grain variety, rose 14%, while salt increased by the same amount. DAP fertilizer, essential for farmers preparing for the planting season, climbed 12%. The government&#39;s recent ban on importing low-quality fuel reduced supply and raised diesel prices. Ongoing border tensions with Pakistan disrupted the flow of goods into the country, while the temporary closure of the Salang Tunnel increased transportation costs. Despite these year-over-year increases, week-to-week changes remained modest. Palawi rice increased 1.7%, wheat grain rose 1.7%, and tomato prices actually dropped 5.1% from the previous week, reflecting normal seasonal fluctuations. Regional differences Prices varied significantly across Afghanistan&#39;s 34 provinces. Ghazni recorded the highest weekly increase in wheat grain at 11%, while Bamyan saw prices fall 7%. Diesel ranged from AFN85 ($1.28) per liter in Nuristan to AFN66 ($0.99) in Nimroz. Not all commodities increased. Onion prices dropped 32% compared to last year, while bread declined 5% and sugar fell 3%. Struggling workers According to the WFP report, the labor market continued to worsen. Casual laborers can now find work an average of just 2.3 days per week, with daily wages of AFN308 ($4.64) for unskilled work. Both figures declined from last year, highlighting rising unemployment and limited income opportunities. A daily wage now buys 11 kilograms of low-price wheat flour, down from 12.5 kg last year. When accounting for limited working days, the actual purchasing power is 3.6 kg per day &mdash; a 21% year-over-year decline. The influx of people returning to Afghanistan has added pressure to an already tight labor market. Mixed signals The Afghan currency strengthened 2% against the US dollar over the past year, now trading at AFN66.5 per dollar. However, this has not translated into lower domestic prices, creating a widening gap between local and dollar-based costs. The WFP&#39;s standard food basket, tracking essential commodities, currently costs AFN5,602 ($84.36) &mdash; slightly below the benchmark set in May 2024. Wheat grain and flour prices remain 11% to 13% lower than before the government transition in 2021, though most other food items cost more than during that period. Agricultural outlook Fertilizer and seed prices remained relatively stable week to week. Urea fertilizer costs AFN1,625 ($24.47) per 50 kg, while improved seed averages AFN1,855 ($27.94) for the same amount. A one-year-old female sheep, tracked as a measure of pastoralist purchasing power, averaged 7,866 AFN ($118.46) per head, down 2% from last year.

The price increases are squeezing household budgets nationwide as border disruptions with Pakistan and fuel supply constraints drive up costs for basic necessities.

Articles tagged with "afghan farmers"

Afghanistan at risk of losing 40% of farmland in worst drought in decades

Food prices jump 35% in Afghanistan due to border tensions: report