UN: Water shortages, rising fertilizer prices threaten Afghanistan's agriculture

Elaha Wed Sep 2026 2 weeks ago 191

The FAO says that the declining economic capacity of rural households and the continued high cost of fertilizer have led nearly two-thirds of the surveyed communities to predict that they will purchase less fertilizer this year compared to last year. Additionally, around 80 percent of these communities have said that if fertilizer prices remain high, they will reduce the area under cultivation for winter wheat in the upcoming season.


According to this assessment, farmers may reduce fertilizer use to offset rising costs, turn to borrowing, or sell off some of their livestock and assets. The FAO has warned that the continuation of this situation could negatively impact winter wheat cultivation, crop production volumes, and rural household incomes. The organization had previously stated in August that rising fertilizer prices have increased the risk of reduced wheat production in Afghanistan in 2027.


In addition to fertilizer costs, irrigation water shortages have also been cited as a major constraint on agriculture in Afghanistan. Only 22 percent of the surveyed communities said they have sufficient water for irrigation, while 57 percent are facing reduced supply and rotational water distribution, and 21 percent consider the available water insufficient. As a result, a total of 78 percent of the surveyed communities are grappling with some form of pressure due to irrigation water shortages.


The FAO has identified the depletion of groundwater levels, reduced river flows, problems in managing dams and irrigation canals, and rising fuel costs for water pumping as the main factors behind the water shortage. The organization has also stated that above-average heat, particularly in Afghanistan's low-lying areas, has increased crops' water needs while simultaneously causing pastures to dry up and reducing fodder resources for livestock.



The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned in its latest assessment on the state of agriculture in Afghanistan that water shortages for irrigation and rising fertilizer prices are placing greater pressure on farmers. This survey was conducted in late August across all 34 provinces of the country and is based on 330 group discussions with local communities.

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