Current Situation and Sustainable Development of Rice Cultivation and Production in Afghanistan

Abstract

Poverty is a critical issue that is stagnating the development of Afghanistan. In 2007, more than 42% of the population of the country was reported as being below the poverty line, but until 2014, 78.2% of households even in the urban areas were still dealing with food shortages. The agriculture sector is the backbone of the country’s economy and contributes as the key sector to the revival of the well-being of people in Afghanistan. Rice is the second staple crop after wheat and plays a key role in food security, nutrition, and caloric intake. However, Afghan farmers have suffered from the low quality of grains and yield which has resulted in the serious malnutrition which is occurring in the country. Insufficient breeding techniques for new rice cultivars with high yield and acceptable quality, mismanagement of agronomical practices, and unprogressive milling and processing thus can satisfy only 50% of the country’s demand. Accordingly, Afghanistan has been compelled to import a huge annual amount of milled rice from Pakistan, India, and Iran. Although active efforts have been made by the government, research institutes, and international collaboration on rice research, production, and agricultural credits during the last 10 years, the deficit of milled rice in Afghanistan in 2018 is estimated to be 270,250 metric tons. This paper highlights the current situation of rice production in Afghanistan and suggests solutions for food security and sustainability in rice production to promote farmers’ income, consequently strengthening the country’s economy.

Morphological Observation and Correlation of Growth and Yield Characteristics with Grain Quality and Antioxidant Activities in Exotic Rice Varieties of Afghanistan

“…In Afghanistan, rice is the second most cultivated crop after wheat with total paddy production amount of 532,000 metric tons [4]. Recently, rice production has been increased, but attention is needed to improve grain quality and nutritional value.…”

“…Both Indica and Japonica rice varieties are cultivated in different zones and provinces. In our previous study, we listed 19 top rice cultivars throughout the country [4]. In this experiment, four widely grown and high yielding cultivars were selected to evaluate their grain quality and nutritive value.…”

“…Rice (Oryza sativa L.), an edible starchy grain, is one of the leading food crops in the world, and a primary source of calorie intake for more than half of the world population [1]. Asian countries are the main producers and consumers of rice [2], and it is the second staple food, after wheat, for Afghans [3,4]. Recently, annual rice grain production has increased to 33,600 metric tons in Afghanistan [4,5]; however, great effort is needed to improve grain quality based on the preference and acceptance of consumers.…”

“…Asian countries are the main producers and consumers of rice [2], and it is the second staple food, after wheat, for Afghans [3,4]. Recently, annual rice grain production has increased to 33,600 metric tons in Afghanistan [4,5]; however, great effort is needed to improve grain quality based on the preference and acceptance of consumers. Genetic and environmental factors are principally responsible for alteration in growth and quality composition of rice [6].…”

Efficacy of N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea Mutation on Physicochemical Properties, Phytochemicals, and Momilactones A and B in Rice

“…Rice (Oryza sativa L.), is considered one of the most dietary cereal crops which supplies essential foods worldwide, particularly producing and consuming on a large scale in Asian countries [1,2]. It provides daily calories for the majority of the world's population as well as feeds many companion animals [3].…”