The Wolesi Jirga (Lower House Of Parliament) on Monday summoned officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) and State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management to respond to MPs questions regarding concerns related to the drought. 

A number of MPs said drought has increased, grasslands for animals has decreased and a number of people have left their homes in provinces and moved to cities because of this.

They said all these issues are worrying and should be addressed. 

“The underground water level has decreased, does agricultural, irrigation and livestock ministry have any plans in this regard,” parliament’s first deputy spokesman Mirdad Nijrabi asked. 

MAIL minister Nasir Ahmad Durani said all the provinces in the country are facing a drought, which range from mild droughts to severe droughts. 

MAIL minister also said over 20 million animals (cattle, sheep, goats etc) in different parts of the country need food and that $550 million USD is needed to provide fodder for them. 

“All parts of the country face drought that fall under three categories: 15 provinces fall under high threat, six provinces fall under medium threat and 13 other provinces fall under low threat of drought,” said Durani. 

Durani also said they have shared their challenges in coping with difficult situations with government. 

“Almost 20 days ago I sent a letter to the Chief Executive Officer and told him about our capacities in the provinces,” Durani added. 

Emergency committee officials also said they have enough wheat, food and non-food items stored in the provinces to address any emergency situation. 

“Currently we have over 144 million AFs in cash in all the provinces to help those who face disasters,” Mohammad Aslam Sayas, deputy minister for state ministry in natural disaster management said.