The Herat Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock reported that potato production has increased by nearly twenty percent this year.

According to the department, rainfall and abundant water are the main reasons for the improved growth of potato fields in Herat.

Mohammad Nasim Sahar, head of agricultural affairs of the Herat Department of Agriculture and Irrigation, said: "Currently, the import of potatoes from countries that used to supply them has stopped. The market for selling potatoes will improve."

In Guzara district of Herat, farmers are busy harvesting their years' worth of effort from the potato fields.

Mohammad Rasul, one of these farmers, planted potatoes on three jeribs of land this year.

He said that due to adequate rainfall and sufficient water in the Harirod River this year, potato fields have yielded more crops compared to last year.

"This year, there is more water compared to previous years, and there was a lot of rain; the potatoes yield is very good," Mohammad Rasul told TOLOnews.

Meanwhile, some other farmers are concerned about the decrease in potato prices in the markets.

"When four kilograms of potatoes are imported from Iran, they are sold for 120 afghani (around $1.7), but our domestic potatoes, which are of the best quality, are sold for 55 afghani per four kilograms," said Jalil Ahmad Sadeqi, a farmer.

"We bought four kilograms of potatoes for 100 to 120 afghani and purchased chemical fertilizers at a very high price, but now that our potato harvest season has arrived, they are buying from us at 50 to 45 afghani per four kilograms, and if they buy at a good price, it’s 55 afghani," said Basir Ahmad, another farmer.

According to the Herat Department of Agriculture and Irrigation and Livestock, this year, 1,200 jeribs of land in the province are used for potato cultivation, and over 22,000 metric tons of potatoes will be harvested in Herat this year.