The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said that New Zealand is funding a $2 million project of the organization to provide humanitarian assistance in the form of agricultural inputs and cash assistance to 94,500 vulnerable rural people from farming communities in Afghanistan.

Farmers of the provinces of Kunduz, Nangarhar, Parwan and Wardak will benefit from the funding.

“We welcome New Zealand’s first ever contribution to FAO emergency and resilience programme at this critical point in time for Afghanistan. Farmers need quality seed in hand to plant in early spring and secure their harvest this year. New Zealand’s support will help make this happen,” said Richard Trenchard, FAO Representative in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Afghan farmers claim their products have been decreased for many reasons including lack of water and quality seeds.

“We are facing many problems now. No person or agency has helped us until now,” said Mohammad Gul, a farmer.

“Not enough water is available. We face drought. Our farms have been ruined due to lack of water,” said Abdullah, a farmer.

The farmers urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock to help them by providing facilities to irrigate their fields.

Officials said the ministry is working on long-term projects to aid Afghan farmers.

“The ministry has long-term plans. We plan to construct some canals and dams for farmers,” said Mesbahuddin Mostaeen, ministry spokesman.

FAO further said that it will assist 49, 000 from marginal and vulnerable farming households in northeastern Afghanistan with a spring and summer cultivation package and 45,500 people will benefit either through cash for work or unconditional transfers or cash assistance.