The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock has launched a process to purchase 4,000 metric tons of wheat in Herat to support local farmers.

According to officials from the Ministry, the wheat will be bought from farmers at a price higher than the market rate.

In a meeting with several farmers in Herat, Agha Jan Akhund, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, said: "It is planned to collect 38,800 tons of wheat from 11 provinces. This is intended for 15% of the population, and the Islamic Emirate aims to store it for its people."

Meanwhile, some farmers in Herat have welcomed the Ministry’s decision to purchase their surplus wheat. They have also requested the Ministry’s assistance in providing improved seeds and chemical fertilizers.

Abdul Khaliq Ebrahimi, a farmer in Herat, told TOLOnews: "Some people have been selling their wheat in the market for a while at 70 afghani per kilogram, where transportation costs were 10 afghani, leaving them with 60 afghani. Now, at 90 afghani with the costs covered by the buyers, it is much better."

Amanullah Malikzada, another farmer in Herat, said: "Considering the expenses of wheat cultivation, the current prices should rise above 100 afghani."

This year, due to sufficient rainfall and abundant water, the wheat fields in Herat have yielded a higher harvest compared to last year. According to statistics from the Herat Department of Agriculture and Irrigation, wheat production in the province has increased by 30% compared to the previous year.

Peer Mohammad Halimi, Head of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock in Herat, saying: "The committee responsible for purchasing wheat ensures that it is from this year’s harvest, of good quality, and grown in Afghanistan before buying it."

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock added that the process of purchasing wheat from farmers is ongoing in 11 provinces, with plans to buy nearly 40,000 metric tons of surplus wheat from these provinces and store it in silos this year.

According to the ministry's plan, the government aims to purchase over 300,000 metric tons of wheat in the coming years to be stored in silos.