Bamyan farmers concerned about the spread of "potato fire" and the destruction of crops

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Bamyan: Mohammad Hassan, a farmer from Surkhqol village in the center of Bamyan, told AVA that in recent years, worms have appeared in potato fields that, by feeding on potatoes underground, cause the plant's leaves to dry out and the crop to be destroyed in a short time. He emphasized that these worms are not seen on the surface of the soil or on the leaves, but directly damage the crop underground.

 

Ghulam Sakhi, another farmer from Hyderabad village, also said that this pest has been affecting potato fields for several years and its severity has increased in the last two years. So much so that this year many farmers have been forced to destroy their potato fields and plant barley instead.

 

Explanations from agricultural officials: "Blight" disease and lack of specific treatment

Ashraf Nitaqi, head of agricultural affairs at the Bamyan Agriculture Department, in response to farmers' concerns, described this pest as a type of plant disease called "Blight" or "Blight" that has no specific treatment. According to him, this disease occurs due to the continued cultivation of potatoes in a specific land and the use of infected seeds. Nitaqi emphasized that to prevent the spread of this disease, observing diversity in agriculture and avoiding the use of infected seeds can be effective. This situation indicates the urgent need for support solutions and training for farmers to deal with this agricultural problem.