The deputy ambassador of Turkey in Kabul, during a program in Logar province, announced the continuation of his country’s humanitarian aid and the provision of alternative crops to opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan.
This program was organized by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Logar to distribute improved seeds and chemical fertilizers.
During the event, Bilal Emre Biral, the deputy ambassador of Turkey in Kabul, stated: “Turkey continues to provide humanitarian and development aid to the people of Afghanistan to the best of its ability.”
Meanwhile, the deputy minister of agriculture, irrigation, and livestock pledged that efforts are underway to mechanize Afghanistan’s agriculture sector, stating that the construction of 700 small water reservoirs is currently in progress.
“We have nearly 700 water reservoirs under construction. We are striving to build reservoirs in all areas of Afghanistan facing water shortages and to manage water resources, as water levels are declining,” stated Sadr Azam Osmani, the deputy minister of agriculture, irrigation, and livestock.
Fazıl Akın Erdoğan is the Coordinator of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in Kabul, Afghanistan, who was also present at the event, remarked:” The Islamic Emirate has made significant efforts in combating opium poppy and other narcotics. In coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, we have launched a seed project on 500 acres of land in Kandahar. The planting season is approaching, and work will begin soon.”
The deputy minister of agriculture, irrigation, and livestock also stated that a five-year alternative crop plan has been shared with donor organizations and countries, under which substantial assistance will be provided to farmers for alternative cultivation.