Heavy Snowfall Damages Crops in Bamyan, Afghanistan; Rains Cause Losses in Nuristan

Bamyan province in Afghanistan has experienced heavy snowfall in recent days, resulting in damage to fields and crops, according to local farmers. The snowfall has occurred mostly in the districts of Yakawlang, Panjab, Waras, and parts of Kahmard and Saighan, including the center of the province.

The head of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock in Bamyan stated that there has been about 196 millimeters of rain across the province. Some farmers are concerned that the wheat and potato seeds they have sown may be affected by the cold weather. However, the Taliban's Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, Zabihullah Rabbani, stated that the precipitation levels in the center and districts of Bamyan province are beneficial for water resources.

Why this matters: The heavy snowfall and its impact on crops and fields in Bamyan province highlight the vulnerability of Afghanistan's agricultural sector to extreme weather events. The damage to crops can have significant consequences for the livelihoods of local farmers and the overall food security in the region.

Meanwhile, in Nuristan province, heavy rains have caused financial losses and blocked communication roads, according to the Taliban's Minister of Information and Culture, Samiullah Haq Bayan. Several other Afghan provinces, such as Maidan Wardak, Ghazni, Sar-e Pol, Jowzjan, Paktia, and Panjshir, have also experienced snowfall in the last three days, leading to significant losses for farmers and orchardists.

Zabihullah Rabbani, the Taliban's Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock in Bamyan, emphasized the benefits of the precipitation levels for the province's water resources, despite the concerns raised by some farmers about the potential impact on their wheat and potato seeds. The head of Information and Culture in Nuristan, Samiullah Haq Bayan, reported that the heavy rains have not only caused financial losses but also blocked some communication roads in the province.

Key Takeaways

• Heavy snowfall in Bamyan, Afghanistan damaged fields and crops.
• Farmers concerned about impact on wheat and potato seeds.
• Taliban minister says precipitation beneficial for Bamyan's water resources.
• Heavy rains in Nuristan caused financial losses and blocked roads.
• Snowfall also reported in other Afghan provinces, impacting farmers and orchardists.