Türkiye and Kazakhstan have jointly provided free agricultural aid packages to farmers in Balkh and Jawzjan provinces of northern Afghanistan, marking a significant step in international cooperation for food security. During a special ceremony at the Directorate of Agriculture and Livestock in Balkh, 400 farmers received improved maize and soybean seeds along with chemical fertilizers. The distribution was warmly welcomed by the farming community, who expressed gratitude for the assistance and pledged to use the inputs responsibly for legal and productive cultivation. Each farmer received 24 kilograms of improved maize seed, 50 kilograms of soybean seed, 50 kilograms of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer, and 50 kilograms of Urea fertilizer.
Azam Osmani, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Afghanistan, emphasized that the program was the result of joint efforts between the Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) of Kazakhstan. He noted that comprehensive strategies for the growth and development of agriculture and livestock remain a top priority for Afghanistan’s leadership. Abu Idris, Deputy Governor of Balkh, highlighted the strategic importance of the Qosh Tepa Canal project, describing it as a permanent and vital public good for Afghanistan. He expressed optimism that with sustained efforts, the canal would soon be completed and operational, strengthening the agricultural economy in the northern provinces. Musa Mubin, Director of Agriculture and Livestock in Balkh, stressed the importance of capacity building and skill development for agricultural specialists and staff, underlining that modernizing agriculture and livestock practices is essential for sustainable growth.
Azamat Khamiyev, Project Manager of IOFS Kazakhstan, explained that the primary objective of distributing improved maize and soybean seeds along with fertilizers was to encourage alternative cultivation to poppy. He emphasized that Afghan farmers should strengthen their agricultural economy through lawful planting, harvesting, and production of halal crops. Khamiyov added that similar free assistance projects have already been implemented in Afghanistan, Syria, and Gaza, reflecting IOFS’s commitment to food security and sustainable farming. Anil Sonmez, Program Coordinator of TIKA, provided details of previous aid efforts. In 2024, 300 farmers in Herat received similar packages, followed by another 300 farmers in Logar in 2025. He announced that plans are underway to extend the program nationwide, with 1,000 Afghan farmers expected to benefit from free aid packages in the near future.
Sediqullah Rahmani, head of improved seed distribution in Balkh, stated that planting improved seed varieties is a key factor in ensuring both the quality and quantity of modern farm yields. He emphasized that the adoption of such seeds would help Afghan farmers achieve higher productivity and better food security. One of the beneficiaries, Oosta Balkhi, expressed heartfelt gratitude during a press interview. He said that the free distribution of improved maize and soybean seeds, along with fertilizers, would enable him to cultivate legal crops and contribute to Afghanistan’s agricultural economy. He pledged to use the inputs responsibly and to set an example for other farmers in the region.
The ceremony carried not only an agricultural message but also a cultural and moral one. The words of the Persian poet Saadi Shirazi were quoted: “Why stand you still? Take the hand of one who’s down!” This timeless verse symbolized the spirit of generosity and solidarity embodied by Türkiye and Kazakhstan’s assistance. The aid was compared to the legendary generosity of Hatim al-Tai, underscoring the noble tradition of helping those in need.
The joint initiative by Türkiye and Kazakhstan demonstrates the power of international cooperation in supporting Afghanistan’s agricultural sector. By providing improved seeds and fertilizers, the program aims to strengthen food security, promote legal cultivation, and empower farmers to build sustainable livelihoods. The farmers of Balkh and Jawzjan, now equipped with modern inputs, stand ready to cultivate their fields with renewed hope and determination. This aid program is more than a distribution of seeds and fertilizers, it is a symbol of friendship, solidarity, and shared commitment to a prosperous and lawful agricultural future for Afghanistan.
Please find the link to the article here: Improved Seeds Donation Helps Develop Agriculture in Afghanistan – The Kabul times, Afghanistan Trustable News Agency.
