MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, May 6, 2026 – An official seed distribution ceremony was held in Mazar-i-Sharif on May 6 as part of a joint initiative implemented by the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock.
The project, titled “Enhancing Maize and Soybean Cultivation for Sustainable Development in Northern Afghanistan,” aims to support 400 smallholder farmers in Balkh and Jawzjan provinces through the provision of drought-resistant maize and soybean seeds, mineral fertilizers and training in climate-smart agricultural practices.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Mawlawi Sadr Azam Osmani, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan, H.E. Mawlavi Noor-ul-Hadi Abu Idrees the Deputy Governor of Balkh Province, H.E. Murat Dikmen, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, H.E. Olzhas Matiyev, the General Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan and representatives of IOFS, TİKA, local authorities, farming communities, and partner organizations.
Under the project, the IOFS is supplying certified seeds, while TİKA is providing essential fertilizers intended to improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
During the ceremony, IOFS representatives delivered remarks on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, IOFS Director General, emphasizing that this initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting Afghan farmers, strengthening food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural systems in Afghanistan.
“This project is not merely a one-time intervention. We consider it an important step toward strengthening the resilience of rural communities, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and enhancing long-term food security. At the same time, we regard this support not only as assistance, but also as our shared responsibility toward the brotherly people of Afghanistan,” the statement said.
The project also included a farmer capacity-building component through practical field training sessions focused on seed and fertilizer use, modern agronomic methods, climate-smart agriculture, and post-harvest storage techniques.
The initiative builds on previous cooperation between the IOFS and TİKA in Afghanistan and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen food security and agricultural resilience across member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
The IOFS reaffirmed its commitment to continuing humanitarian and agricultural initiatives in Afghanistan to support farmers, develop food systems, and strengthen the long-term resilience of rural communities.
