HERAT PROVINCE, Afghanistan – An agricultural advisor, working with coalition special operations forces, conducted a site survey near the Bakhtabad and Sanawghan villages, Shindand District, Aug. 10.
The survey was aimed at identifying specific needs of farmers in the area and what irrigation methods in the Zerekoh Valley were required to enhance the agricultural production.
Farmers in the area told the agricultural advisor and SOF team members obtaining adequate water for their fields is their primary concern.
Many of the karezes, which are water management systems used to provide reliable water sources in the area, are managed and shared by multiple villages, which limits the amount water each farmer is allotted.
In addition, local farmers claimed the karezes needed to be cleaned, which would require the assistance of Afghan National Security Forces and SOF team members.
A culvert near the village of Alliabad was also brought to the attention of the agricultural advisor and SOF team members as a potential problem. The farmers disputed the placement of the culvert and the potential for floods in the future.
The team surveyed the culvert, which is located near a main highway, and determined the culvert has no negative effect on the karez.
“The design of the karez may in fact reduce the risk of flooding in the Alliabad village,” said the agricultural advisor. “It may even reduce the risk of flood damage to the road.”
After completing the site survey, the team thanked the farmers for providing them with information about how the Government of Afghanistan can continue to provide support to its citizens and promote further growth and development.
The agricultural advisor will finalize his assessment and work with SOF team members and village elders to designate projects in the area to help agricultural growth in the district.