BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan—The Nebraska Agri-Business Development Team and Task Force Warrior deputy commander, Army Col. Stephen Jeselink, visited and assessed greenhouses and a grape vineyard in nearby Janqadam Village, located just outside Bagram Air Field, June 30.
"These two Commander's Emergency Response Program projects are nearing completion and will benefit many farmers and people in this area," said ADT agronomist, Army Sgt. 1st Class Eldon Kuntzelman.
A local contractor recently installed trellising posts and wires at the grape vineyard. Trellising systems are used in vineyard agriculture to separate grapevines.
Jeselink visited with the blind landowner of the vineyard, describing the appearance of the trellising and grapes, as well as what work remains for the landowner's son to complete in order to produce a successful crop.
"There are a lot of weeds and grass in this field, competing with the grapes for water and nutrients," said Jeselink, explaining how the landowner's son needs to clear the weeds and grass out of the vineyard.
Kuntzelman inspected the trellising posts with the landowner's son, discussing how to implement an irrigation plan to water the plants.
A short distance away at the site of the 18 greenhouses, a group of landowners and contractors for the well and greenhouses met with members of the ADT and Jeselink to inspect progress and discuss maintenance issues for the well and generator.
"The landowners are eager for the locals to come work and learn in the greenhouses," said Kuntzelman, explaining how tent panels to retain heat throughout the winter as well as drip irrigation systems inside the greenhouses will allow a longer growing season and increased food production for consumption and market.
Within a week, seeds and peat moss starters will be delivered to the greenhouses.
"In the years ahead, the grape vineyard and greenhouses should benefit all local farmers and people in the surrounding areas," Kunzelman said.
| Date Taken: |
06.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
07.04.2009 07:13 |
| Story ID: |
35958 |
| Location: |
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: |
97 |
| Downloads: |
70 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Agricultural Projects Benefit Farmers, Local Afghans, by 1LT Lory Stevens, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
