Farmers in Bamyan have raised concerns about the lack of a proper market for selling their asafoetida products. 

They are requesting that, in addition to professional training in asafoetida cultivation, authorities should also assist them with reaching markets.

Shir Agha, who recently began cultivating asafoetida in a corner of Bamyan city, admits he is new to planting this crop and is worried about the absence of a market for it. 

He decided to cultivate asafoetida due to drought and water scarcity, and he is seeking support and collaboration from officials in this sector.

Shir Agha told TOLOnews: "Our agricultural lands are dry, and this year asafoetida prices have dropped, which is why farmers are worried."

Other Bamyan farmers who have harvested asafoetida products in the past two years report that they have been unable to sell their produce so far.

Zarif, a local farmer, said: "Many people have planted asafoetida, but so far it has not been profitable for farmers. However, if marketed properly in the future, asafoetida cultivation can be beneficial.

Mohammad Amir, another farmer also stated: "We have been growing asafoetida for two years, and its crops are ready, but the market for selling them is weak."

However, the head of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock in Bamiyan stated that this issue has been discussed with the Ministry of Agriculture and efforts are being made to establish a robust market for the farmers.

Zabihullah Rabdost, the head of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock in Bamiyan, said: "Currently, Asafoetida does not have a suitable market, but we have shared the farmers' concerns about the weak market with the Ministry of Agriculture. The ministry has promised to address this issue."

Asafoetida, or hing, is a medicinal plant whose cultivation has been increasingly promoted among farmers in various provinces of the country in recent years, and it has been a lucrative source of income when sold.