“For us, pruning and training trees are new techniques and we were reluctant to cut the trees, but we followed the advice of IFHope agriculture specialists. Now we see the good results of pruning and training because the trunks and limbs are strong enough to withstand any shock. In May and June heavy and hot wind didn't affect the trees and they are doing well”.

- Noor Agha, farmer from Ambar Khana Village in Bati Kot District.

As soon as the new trees were in the ground this spring, IFHope agriculture specialists began calling on farmers to encourage proper irrigation. At the request of the farmers, they also distributed certified seed for an improved variety of mung bean to provide a crop while waiting for orchards to come into production. The mung beans improve the soil and help to insure the trees will receive adequate water since farmers are accustomed to watering vegetables.

“This is amazing to see in a drought stricken area. There is a big change in the growth of the trees.”

-Amir Ahmad, farmer, Khewa District

Demonstration orchards teach what words can't. Farmers near Jalalabad are seeing the dramatic results of drip irrigation technology and other modern farming practices in their own neighborhoods. Trees under the drip system have grown 10- 12 inches in the first month compared to many trees dying from lack of regular irrigation or achieving perhaps three or four inches of growth in neighboring fields.

Three orchards demonstrating drip irrigation were established by IFHope this spring in Ghani Khel, Khewa and Kama districts which face water shortages. Located on three sides of Jalalabad, the demonstration plots are at the center of the district or close to the main road where everyone can see.

Two months after planting, the poplars established through the Chaparhar Commercial Tree Project tower above the heads of the farmers.

The IFHope farmers in Chaparhar smile when they survey their fields of eucalyptus and poplar trees. The poplars especially have shown tremendous growth shooting up over eight feet in four months. As the farmers observe the pace of tree growth and consider the market price, an interest in tree management and proper irrigation is growing, and farmers are asking to be included in future programs.

IFHope is a US based Non Governmental Organization (NGO) that recognizes and values the tremendous potential of the people of Afghanistan. IFHope has been in Afghanistan since 1998 working in three interrelated areas: economic development, community empowerment, and education. IFHope values partnership rather than competition or duplication of effort and promotes no political or religious agenda.

IFHope Update is a quarterly electronic publication for friends and associates of IFHope and everyone who cares about the people of Afghanistan. A forwarding link can be found at the bottom of the page. Please pass it along!