Stink bug infestation threatens crops in Afghanistan's Ghor province

Farmers in Afghanistan's western Ghor province are sounding the alarm over a widespread stink bug infestation that is devastating their wheat and barley fields. They fear substantial crop losses unless immediate action is taken, highlighting their precarious economic situation.

“

This land is my only hope. If this infestation spreads further, I do not know how I will provide for my family because our entire annual harvest could be lost.

Abdullah, a 38-year-old farmer from Al-Farooq district, expressed his deep concern while examining damaged wheat ears. "This land is my only hope," he said, explaining that his entire annual harvest could be lost if the infestation escalates. He stated that most farmers, like himself, cannot afford pesticides or other means to combat the pests. "If the government does not assist us, our fields will be ruined," he warned.

The infestation has spread across multiple districts, including Fayaq, Tagab, Posht-i-Koh Shuyij, and others. Sardar Dadfar, another resident of Al-Farooq district, noted the rapid spread in recent days and reiterated the potential for heavy losses if control measures are delayed. Mohammad Yousuf from Charsadda district echoed these concerns, emphasizing the farmers' lack of resources.

“

I cannot afford pesticides or other means to stop these insects. Most farmers are poor like me. If the government does not assist us, our fields will be ruined.

Officials from the provincial Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock confirmed that the pest is no longer confined to a single area and has been detected in several districts, including Allahyar, Al-Farooq, Murghab, Shahrak, Tolak, and Charsadda. Zia-ul-Haq Joya, a spokesman for the department, acknowledged that agricultural land, particularly wheat crops, has been damaged.

“

The infestation has spread widely across wheat fields in recent days. If control measures are not taken soon, much of the wheat and barley harvest will be destroyed and farmers will suffer heavy losses.

While the department has deployed technical teams and distributed pest-control traps and a limited quantity of pesticides, Joya admitted that the supplies are insufficient to meet the widespread need. Farmers are receiving guidance on infestation control, but the ongoing shortages pose a significant challenge to protecting the region's vital crops.

“

If action is not taken in time, a large portion of the harvest will be lost.