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Mushroom harvest begins in Kandahar

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In Kandahar, farmers who established mushroom farms with the support of international organizations have now begun harvesting their crops.

The Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock of Kandahar stated that, as a result of its efforts and with financial support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and technical assistance from the Dutch Committee for Afghanistan, essential supplies worth $20,000  were distributed to 30 needy families in Khakrez district to establish mushroom farms. The harvesting process has now started.

Officials say the program aims to promote alternative crops to opium poppy, improve farmers’ livelihoods, introduce high-yield plants, and expand modern and standardized farming practices. According to them, each farmer can produce up to 10 kilograms of mushrooms in one month from just one kilogram of seeds at home—a process that is simple, low-cost, and highly profitable.

Mohammad Hanif Haqmal, spokesperson for the Kandahar Directorate of Agriculture, said: “For around 30 families, 23 types of tools necessary for mushroom farming were distributed. Seeds were also provided so they could establish farms and harvest crops. This is the first time mushroom is being cultivated in Kandahar. The Directorate of Agriculture will continue its efforts to promote this crop in other areas of the country so people can establish farms at home and increase their income. In Kandahar, the price of one kilogram of mushroom ranges between 350 and 400 Afghanis.”

Officials from the Dutch Committee for Afghanistan also confirmed that 23 types of tools and necessary materials for mushroom cultivation were previously distributed to the families, and the harvest is now underway. They consider the plant a suitable alternative to opium poppy and said they will continue supporting the farmers.

Abdulhadi Dawoodzi, representative of the Dutch Committee for Afghanistan in Kandahar, added: “We distributed 20 types of materials and tools necessary for planting and harvesting mushroom to 30 families, worth $20,000. This support serves as an alternative to opium cultivation.”

Farmers view mushroom as a viable substitute for opium poppy. They say the crop requires less effort and yields higher profits, making it a suitable option, especially during drought conditions.

Sibghatullah, a Kandahar farmer, said: “Mushroom can serve as a complete alternative to opium and hashish. Drought is intensifying every year, and this crop is a good substitute. We ask the organization to establish more farms and help market our products.”

Another farmer, Mohammad Naseem, added: “We can sell mushroom in local markets and to neighbors. Compared to opium and other narcotic crops, it is a better cultivation option.”

Officials from the Kandahar Directorate of Agriculture said that in recent months, they have increased efforts to identify and promote alternative crops and have implemented several programs to introduce high-yield plants suitable for Kandahar’s climatic conditions.

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IEA condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes in several Afghan provinces

In a statement released on Friday, Mujahid said the strikes took place in multiple locations, including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Paktika provinces, as well as other areas.

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Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), has strongly condemned recent airstrikes that he says were carried out by Pakistan Armed Forces in several provinces of Afghanistan, describing the attacks as a “clear act of aggression” that caused civilian casualties.

In a statement released on Friday, Mujahid said the strikes took place in multiple locations, including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Paktika provinces, as well as other areas.

According to the spokesman, some of the airstrikes struck residential houses, resulting in the deaths of civilians, including women and children. Other strikes reportedly hit areas that were uninhabited.

Mujahid said the timing of the attacks — during the final days of the holy month of Ramadan and on the eve of Eid al-Fitr — showed that those responsible “do not adhere to humanitarian principles or moral values.”

“The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns this crime and clear aggression in the strongest terms, and this cruelty will not go unanswered,” Mujahid said.

He also claimed that one of the airstrikes targeted a fuel storage facility belonging to Kam Air near Kandahar International Airport. According to Mujahid, the facility supplied fuel to civilian airlines as well as aircraft operated by the United Nations.

Mujahid further alleged that in a previous similar incident, another fuel depot owned by an Afghan trader, Haji Khanzada, was also targeted.

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Herat governor urges UN to prioritize Afghan domestic products in food purchases

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Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the governor of Herat, has urged the United Nations to give priority to domestic Afghan products when procuring food and essential goods.

According to a statement from the Herat governor’s office, Islamjar met with Indrika Ratwatte, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, and Arafat Jamal, Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Afghanistan.

During the meeting, the governor praised the UN’s cooperation and described the support provided during the first wave of returning migrants as a significant success. He emphasized that the local administration is fully prepared to address the needs of any potential new wave of migrants.

Islamjar also stressed the importance of international support in expanding foreign markets for Afghan agricultural and industrial products, and called for easing banking restrictions, facilitating visa issuance, and improving online services for the private sector and local traders.

In response, Indrika Ratwatte welcomed the governor’s proposals and assured that the UN would strive to source necessary goods from Afghan domestic products in the future, while continuing its cooperation with the local administration across various sectors.

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Four civilians killed in Khost overnight in Pakistani military attacks

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Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, reported on Thursday that four civilians were killed overnight in Khost province during artillery and mortar shelling by the Pakistani military.

The attacks occurred around 4:00 a.m. in Alishir-Trezi district.

The victims were members of a nomadic family, including a man, a woman, and two children. Three additional children were injured in the strikes.

The Pakistani military also carried out attacks in Kunar province last night. While no casualties were reported there, several homes and private properties were damaged.

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