Afghanistan’s wheat production drops by 6% amid drought and pests

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL) has reported a 6 percent decline in wheat production this year, with a total of 4.54 million metric tons harvested across the country. This includes 4.13 million tons of irrigated wheat and 404,000 tons of rainfed wheat.

The ministry said 1.89 million hectares of land were cultivated with wheat in 2025, including 1.33 million hectares irrigated and 562,000 hectares rainfed. The area under irrigated wheat fell 4 percent, while rainfed wheat declined 24 percent. MAIL attributed the reduction in yields to drought, agricultural pests such as locusts, floods, plant diseases, and insufficient rainfall.

Despite the overall decline, some provinces — including Baghlan, Samangan, Paktika, Maidan Wardak, and Nimroz — recorded slight increases in wheat cultivation. Average yields reached 3.12 tons per hectare for irrigated wheat and 0.72 tons per hectare for rainfed wheat.

Afghanistan’s annual wheat demand is estimated at 6.87 million tons, meaning the country must import the shortfall to meet domestic needs. MAIL added that to boost production next year, it will continue programs for distribution of chemical fertilizers, improved seeds, farming equipment, and technical support nationwide.