Agri-business development team 'plants a seed and grows a country'

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

06.20.2009

Story by Sgt. Sean Finch 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — Task Force Warrior's Agri-Business Development Team made progress on an experimental farm and a demonstration farm designed to increase agricultural production in the Panjshir Valley, June 13 and 15.

"It's important to develop this piece of land into something that can be used and improved upon in the coming years," said Army Master Sgt. John Herron, an ADT agronomist and hydrologist.

Herron went on to explain how the land has the potential to feed more than a dozen villages in the area.

Members of the ADT visited the experimental farm on June 13, and worked with and trained 10 Afghans on improved soil hydration matters at the demonstration farm on June 15.

"We really want to come out here and get some soil samples, start making adjustments, and teach the local population how to get a better yield of crops," said Army Staff Sgt. William J. Jones, an ADT agronomist.

The demonstration farm covers more than seven acres, and the farm will likely grow different crops that include corn.

"The soil is lacking in organic matter, and it's very difficult for us to get it to retain water and moisture," Herron said. He is working with the team to introduce straw into the soil to improve hydration.

Local Afghans have also been working to clear rocks from the field and finish an irrigation system that will pump water from the Panjshir River.

"The local Afghans are all very fast learners, and I think if they continue improving hydration in the soil and follow the other techniques we teach them, it could be the model for how crops can be grown in larger quantities," Jones said.

• Date Taken: 06.20.2009
• Date Posted: 06.20.2009 12:36
• Story ID: 35400
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF