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PATROL BASE FULOD, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan reached out to the farmers of Sangin during an agriculture initiative, May 16-18. Agents came from Lash Kar Gah to teach farming procedures and represent the GIRoA to the community in the heart of what was at one time called the breadbasket of Afghanistan.
Four extension agents from the Ministry of Agriculture taught classes and gave out literature on basic farming principles to the attendees.
Farming composes 80 percent of the Sangin economy and the people will be able to further the economy if they apply what they learned, said Chief Warrant Officer 3 William M. Lathery, the agriculture development officer for 2nd Marine Division. The farmers have lost the skills of their trade through the years of fighting.
“The people of Sangin have no training in agriculture,” said Shah Mohammed, an extension agent of the Ministry of Agriculture. “Our purpose is for there to be no more poppy. If they farm fruits then it will bring them great benefits.”
If the farmers can successfully farm the land, they will be able to provide a value change and market their product within venues in Sangin and increase the local economy, said Lathery, from Lincolnton, N.C.
The agricultural benefits and the success of the initiative will not be reflected in the economy immediately. In a survey following the initiative, famers said they will use the knowledge they received in the next planting season. At this point, positive exposure and the people receiving something from their government are the immediate signs of success.
At the end of the classes, each attendee received a shovel from the extension agents on behalf of GIRoA as a tangible gesture the people can take with them and use.
“The Ag Initiative was designed to extend government to the people and show the people of Sangin that their government is the best thing for their future,” said Maj. Jason M. West, the team leader for 4th Civil Affairs Group attached to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.
It was a way for the people to be connected with their government and see what GIRoA is capable of doing in their corner of Afghanistan. Approximately 70 percent of the population has seen no representation from the government. The initiative allowed the people to see their government in action.
“The people need to see that GIRoA can do more for them than the insurgency,” said West from Mayville, Tenn.
The initiative was a success because more than 300 farmers in attendance were able to see their government working for them and the results will be seen in the months to come throughout Sangin as they implement the newly taught farming techniques.
| Date Taken: | 05.16.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2011 10:51 |
| Story ID: | 70823 |
| Location: | PATROL BASE FULOD, HELMAND PROVINCE, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF, AF |
| Web Views: | 362 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, AG Initiative Reaches out to Sangin, by Sgt Benjamin Crilly, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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