Agriculture seminar teaches new techniques for next harvest

Photo By Spc. Andrew Vidakovich | Local farmers displayed this season's fruit harvest in Gelan district, Paktika province, Sept. 28. Special operations forces hosted an agricultural seminar in Gelan, Oct. 12, which taught local farmers new techniques including grape trestling, tree pruning, irrigation and fertilization.  

GHAZNI PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

10.12.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Fritz Butac 

19th Public Affairs Detachment

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Coalition special operations forces hosted an agricultural seminar near Latif, Gelan district, Oct. 12.

During the seminar, local farmers received instruction on different techniques including grape trellised, tree pruning, irrigation and fertilization. These new techniques are expected to increase crop yields for farmers during their next harvest.

According to reports, 85 percentof the Afghan population relies on agriculture to earn a living.This season’s harvest was significantly below the historical average, so coalition SOF conducted the training to enable farmers to employ the new techniques prior to the start of winter.

One coalition SOF member said their village stability operations site will conduct additional training and hands-on workshops with the local farmers. They will also assist with responding to any questions that arise in the coming month regarding the implementation of these new techniques to their farming efforts.

Village stability operations are conducted by coalition special operations forces who partner with Afghan National Security Forces to assist communities with the establishment of security and facilitate local governance and development for the people residing in rural areas.

These operations are also geared towards strengthening ties between the Afghan government and local communities in order to separate the insurgents from the population.

• Date Taken: 10.12.2011
• Date Posted: 10.18.2011 04:49
• Story ID: 78652
• Location: GHAZNI PROVINCE, AF