ESRJ

Enhancing the Quantity and Quality of Livestock Production through Improved Management Practices and Modern Technologies in Afghanistan

Abdul Khaliq Sahes — 2026-07-04

Livestock production plays a key role in Afghanistan’s agriculture, rural livelihoods, and food security; however, productivity remains below regional and global averages. This review examines how improved management practices and modern technologies can enhance livestock production under Afghanistan’s socio-economic and agro-ecological conditions. Relevant peer-reviewed publications, reports of international organizations, and national policy documents were reviewed. The analysis focused on feeding and nutrition, animal health, housing and welfare, genetic improvement, record keeping, and digital livestock technologies. The review indicates that low-quality feed resources, limited veterinary services, poor infrastructure, and low genetic potential are major constraints to livestock development. Evidence suggests that balanced feeding, improved housing, community-based breeding programs, and digital management tools can increase milk and meat production, improve reproductive performance, reduce disease incidence and mortality, and enhance animal welfare and farm efficiency. However, adoption remains limited due to financial, institutional, infrastructural, and sociocultural barriers. The study concludes that integrating improved management practices with locally adapted technologies, supported by effective policies, capacity building, and public–private partnerships, is essential for sustainable livestock development and improved rural livelihoods in Afghanistan.

The Need, Importance, and Potential Economic Impacts of Re-establishing the Agricultural Development Bank in Afghanistan

Khal Mohammad Ahmadzai — 2026-07-04

The primary objective of this study is to assess the need, importance, and potential economic impacts of re-establishing the Agricultural Development Bank in Afghanistan. This study employed a narrative review approach, and relevant information was collected through the analysis of reports and policy documents from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, Da Afghanistan Bank, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, the Agricultural Development Fund, and other credible scientific and policy sources. The findings indicate that reactivating the Agricultural Development Bank could enhance farmers' and livestock producers' access to financial services, facilitate the development of agricultural infrastructure, increase agricultural production, strengthen food security, and promote rural economic growth and employment. Furthermore, operating the bank based on Islamic financing principles could better align its services with the country's socio-economic needs and the preferences of its population. The study concludes that re-establishing the Agricultural Development Bank is a significant economic and developmental necessity for ensuring sustainable agricultural growth and addressing the financial constraints faced by farmers in Afghanistan. However, its successful implementation requires an appropriate legal framework, effective institutional governance, transparent management, and sustainable financial support.

Impact of Mulching on Crop Performance, Water Use Efficiency, and Sustainability in Vegetable Crops

Mohammad Nasim Ayobi — 2026-07-04

Vegetable production is highly sensitive to soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient dynamics, making efficient resource management essential under increasing water scarcity and climate variability. This review synthesizes recent literature (2018-2024) on the role of mulching in improving crop performance, water-use efficiency (WUE), and sustainability in vegetable production systems. A systematic search of major scientific databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink) was conducted using relevant keywords, and peer-reviewed studies were analyzed based on mulch types and key agronomic and environmental outcomes. The findings consistently demonstrate that mulching significantly enhances soil moisture retention, moderates soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and improves crop growth, yield, and quality. Increases in soil moisture (10-35%) and water-use efficiency (18-45%) further demonstrate the effectiveness of mulching, particularly under water-limited conditions. Plastic mulches provide strong short-term benefits, including improved early growth, higher yields, and reduced evaporation, while organic mulches contribute to long-term soil health through increased organic matter, improved structure, and enhanced microbial activity. Biodegradable mulches offer a sustainable alternative by combining comparable agronomic performance with reduced environmental impact. Integrated approaches, such as mulching combined with drip irrigation and fertigation, further optimize resource-use efficiency and productivity. Overall, mulching emerges as a climate-smart practice that enhances productivity, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability in vegetable systems. Future research should focus on optimizing mulch selection, minimizing environmental risks, and integrating mulching with advanced water and nutrient management strategies.

Opportunities and Challenges of the Saffron Value Chain in Afghanistan: A Narrative Analysis

Mirwais Lodin — 2026-07-04

Agriculture is considered a fundamental pillar of the national economy in Afghanistan and a major source of income for the country. In recent years, the production of medicinal plants—particularly saffron cultivation—has received growing attention due to its high economic value, export potential, and positive impact on improving farmers’ livelihoods. Although saffron is cultivated in several provinces of Afghanistan, the majority of production originates from the western region, especially Herat province. This study employs a narrative review of existing literature obtained from reputable scientific sources, including Research Gate, Google Scholar, and Scopus, to analyze the current status of saffron production in Afghanistan, its economic significance, and the opportunities and challenges associated with its value chain. The findings of this study indicate that saffron is a strategic agricultural crop in Afghanistan—particularly in Herat province—due to its high economic value, low water requirements, and favorable agro-climatic conditions. The reviewed studies highlight the strong potential of saffron cultivation to increase farmers’ incomes and generate employment opportunities. However, its expansion is constrained by financial limitations, technical requirements, and institutional weaknesses. Furthermore, strengthening the saffron value chain—particularly in processing, standardized packaging, and marketing—is considered vital for enhancing the international competitiveness and export capacity of Afghan saffron.

Spawn Production and Propagation of Qara Qozni Mushroom in Laboratory

Sayed Qadir Danishiar — 2026-07-04

The morel mushroom (Morchella spp.) is one of the most valuable edible mushrooms worldwide due to its high nutritional, medicinal, and economic value. Despite its importance, in Afghanistan the use of morels is mostly limited to wild collection, and scientific cultivation techniques remain poorly developed. In this study, a local variety of morel mushroom was collected from Andarab District of Baghlan Province and examined in the biotechnology laboratory of Kabul University. Tissue culture was carried out in five Petri dishes for seven days in an incubator under a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) using PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium. The produced spawn was then inoculated onto different compost substrates. The results showed that tissue culture and spawn production were successfully achieved under laboratory conditions. However, inoculation of spawn on different compost substrates did not result in fruiting body formation after 60 days of incubation.

Investment in Modern Agriculture for Rural Development in Afghanistan: Importance and Economic Impacts

Hussain Gul Aryobi — 2026-07-04

The main causes of low agricultural productivity include the use of traditional farming methods, limited access to modern technologies, inefficient water management, lack of improved seed varieties, and insufficient investment in the agricultural sector. These factors directly and negatively affect food security and the economic conditions of rural communities. This study is based on a qualitative analytical and descriptive approach using secondary data obtained from credible national and international sources. The findings indicate that investment in modern agriculture—including the use of improved seed varieties, expansion of agricultural mechanization, modern irrigation systems, greenhouse production, and strengthened agricultural extension services—can significantly increase agricultural productivity, improve food security, raise farmers’ incomes, and reduce unemployment rates. In conclusion, sustainable rural development in Afghanistan requires the transformation of traditional agriculture into a modern, market-oriented, and technology-driven system. Therefore, targeted and long-term investment in modern agriculture is considered a fundamental requirement for ensuring economic stability and achieving rural development in the country.

Comparison of Growth and Yield of Five Onion Genotypes Under the Climate Conditions of Kabul

Abdul Hamid Sharifi — 2026-07-04

Onion (allium cepa L.)is one of the most important commercial vegetables crops worldwide and in Afghanistan, playing a fundamental role food security and farmer's. This study was conducted in 1404 (2025)at the Badam Bagh Research farm to evaluate and compare the growth performance, yield ,and qualify attributes of five onion Genotypes, namely yellow Spanish, Qizil shekzoda ,Ronoak,Mazina,and Akdor.the experiment was implemented using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among genotype for most of the studied traits.the genotype Ronak (T3) produced the highest total yield (101.78)t ha the greatest marketable yield (98.74)t ha ) and the highest average bulb weight (381.5 g),demonstrating clear superiority over the other Genotypes. In contrast Qizil shekzoda (T2)exhibited the highest sugar content (10.9%) ,indicating superior taste qualify. Based on these findings Ronak is recommended as a suitable genotype for cultivation under the climate conditions of kabul and similar regions.

Economic Losses Caused by Infectious Diseases in the Broiler Poultry Industry and Their Control Strategies in Afghanistan

Abdul jamil Ghanizada — 2026-07-04

This study aimed to assess the economic impacts of infectious diseases in the broiler poultry industry in Afghanistan and to propose strategies for their mitigation. The methodology involved a descriptive review of 50 scientific articles published from 2000 to 2024, retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, and Iranmedex. In addition to recent studies, classic relevant sources were manually examined. Inclusion criteria comprised valid Persian and English articles focusing on the effects of diseases on meat and egg production, treatment and vaccination costs, feed conversion efficiency reduction, and disease control; in limited cases, studies on other comparable poultry species were also considered. The results indicated that infectious diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza, Newcastle disease, Infectious Bronchitis, and Coccidiosis, cause 10–30% mortality in farms, 5–40% reduction in meat and egg production, 7–20% decrease in final body weight of chickens, and 5–12% increase in production costs, with these diseases accounting for up to 20% of the total production value. Widespread outbreaks in small and traditional farms can result in more than 20% direct economic losses. Key findings also demonstrate that, in addition to direct mortality, reductions in production, increased preventive expenses, supply chain disruptions, and diminished market confidence lead to significant socio-economic consequences, highlighting the necessity of enhancing biosecurity systems, targeted vaccination, farmer education, and improved farm management. The findings further emphasize that timely diagnosis using methods such as PCR, ELISA, and routine necropsy can play a crucial role in reducing mortality and economic losses. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that implementing preventive and control strategies for poultry infectious diseases not only ensures food security and production sustainability but also directly contributes to increased profitability and reduced economic losses in Afghanistan’s poultry industry.