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Cotton cultivation increases in Kandahar, but farmers complain of low prices
Officials from the Kandahar Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock say cotton farming in the province has steadily increased in recent years following efforts to promote its cultivation.
According to officials, cotton was cultivated on 2,150 hectares of land in Kandahar this year, marking an increase of 100 hectares compared to last year. Farmers are expected to harvest around 8,600 tonnes of cotton.
Mohammad Hanif Haqmal, spokesperson for the Kandahar Department of Agriculture, said the expansion reflects growing interest in cotton farming.
“This year, cotton has been cultivated on 2,150 hectares of land in Kandahar, which is 100 hectares more than last year, and we expect a total yield of 8,600 tonnes,” he said.
Officials added that cotton has proven to be a suitable alternative to poppy cultivation, particularly given Kandahar’s soil and climate, and has delivered positive results for farmers under current conditions.
However, farmers say that despite higher yields, cotton prices remain low and markets are limited.
Abdul Ghani, a farmer in Kandahar, said production costs are high. “The price is very low. We have spent a lot on labor to harvest the crop,” he said.
Another farmer, Mohammad Ibrahim, echoed the concerns, calling on the government to support growers.
“Costs are high, but prices are low. Currently, seven kilograms of cotton sells for 190 afghanis. Water is scarce and expenses are high. Since we have shifted from poppy to cotton, prices should be better,” he said.
Meanwhile, local officials say efforts are underway to export Kandahar cotton in line with international market standards.
Sayed Sarwar Amani, head of the Kandahar Chamber of Industries and Mines, said authorities are working to improve quality to access global markets. “We want to raise the quality of cotton to a level that allows us to compete with countries such as Turkey and China,” he said.
Traders have also begun exporting cotton to regional markets. A local trader, Wazir Ahmad, said that cotton exports to Iran have started, with 700 tonnes already shipped.
Cotton is widely cultivated in Kandahar’s districts of Daman, Dand, Shah Wali Kot, Maiwand, Arghistan, Maruf and Arghandab.
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Dozens of Kunar University staff and students wounded in Pakistani rocket attack
The ministry described the strike as an attack on education, knowledge and the country’s future, and urged international organizations not to remain silent over the incident.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Higher Education says a rocket attack allegedly launched from Pakistan struck Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University in Kunar province, injuring dozens of students and lecturers and causing major damage to campus facilities.
In a statement, the ministry said approximately 30 students and academic staff members were wounded in the attack, while several university buildings and infrastructure were extensively damaged.
Higher Education Minister Nida Mohammad Nadim strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly and brutal act”. He said it violated Islamic values and international principles.
The ministry described the strike as an attack on education, knowledge and the country’s future, and urged international organizations not to remain silent over the incident.
Officials said the minister had ordered that all injured students and staff be transferred immediately to medical centers for treatment.
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting educational institutions and maintaining the security of universities and academic centers across Afghanistan.
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Pakistan rocket attack on Kunar leaves 4 dead, dozens injured
According to the sources, the attack took place on Monday, leaving at least four people dead and 45 others injured.
Local sources in Kunar province have confirmed to Ariana News that several civilians have been killed and wounded following rocket attacks by Pakistani military forces.
According to the sources, the attack took place on Monday, leaving at least four people dead and 45 others injured.
They said the majority of those wounded are women and children. This has raised serious concerns about the humanitarian situation in the area.
Local sources further reported that Pakistani forces once again targeted the Yargul area in the center of Kunar province with rocket fire.
The sources also stated that the Kunar University hostel was among the sites damaged in the attacks.
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IEA statement on Saur anniversaries emphasizes unity and system protection
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has issued a statement marking the anniversaries of the 7th and 8th of Saur, reflecting on key historical events and reaffirming its current political stance.
In the statement, the Islamic Emirate said that on the 7th of Saur 1357 (April 1978), a military coup carried out by communist elements against the then-government led to conditions that paved the way for a subsequent foreign intervention in Afghanistan.
It stated that the Afghan people, through what it described as a 14-year armed struggle, resisted former Soviet Union presence and eventually achieved what it called victory and independence on the 8th of Saur 1371 (April 1992).
The statement described the 8th of Saur as a historic day of success and a significant national milestone, adding that it should be remembered with gratitude.
However, it also noted that despite the end of that conflict, Afghanistan later faced internal divisions and factional fighting, which it said undermined hopes for the establishment of a pure Islamic system.
Reiterating its current position, the Islamic Emirate said it was established with the aim of ending chaos, promoting unity, and implementing an Islamic governance system. It stated that it considers these objectives achieved at present.
The statement further stressed the importance of safeguarding the current system and called on Afghans to remain united and committed to maintaining stability and strengthening governance structures in the country.
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