The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has provided post-harvest support to 150 farmers in Afghanistan’s Panjshir province as part of efforts to reduce crop losses and strengthen agricultural livelihoods.
According to the ICRC, the farmers received a range of post-harvest tools and equipment, including metal silos, wheat harvesters, tarpaulins and hermetic storage bags. The assistance is aimed at helping farmers protect their crops and preserve harvested grain for longer periods.
In addition to providing equipment, farmers were trained on methods to reduce post-harvest losses and make more effective use of the tools provided to them. Proper storage and handling can help prevent crops from being damaged by moisture, pests and other factors after harvesting.
Agriculture remains an important source of income and food for many Afghan families, particularly in rural communities. However, farmers face numerous challenges, including economic hardship, limited access to agricultural resources and climate-related pressures.
The ICRC’s support in Panjshir is intended to help farmers retain more of their harvest and improve the efficiency of their agricultural activities. Better post-harvest management can also contribute to household food security by reducing the amount of produce lost between harvesting and consumption or sale.
The initiative highlights the importance of practical agricultural assistance for communities seeking to strengthen their livelihoods amid Afghanistan’s wider humanitarian and economic challenges.
By combining equipment with technical training, the program aims to provide farmers with both the resources and knowledge needed to better protect their harvests.