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.