JALALABAD - If the agriculture ministry does not buy their improved seeds, all private agricultural companies will collapse, the National Group of Improved Seeds in Afghanistan said on Sunday. The ministry had promised 39 national companies that it would purchase quality seeds from them under a plan, prompting the firms to produce 32,000 metric tons of seeds, the group's director said.

Assistant Professor Saida Jan Abdyani told Pajhwok Afghan News only Nangarhar farmers needed 30,000 metric tons of improved seeds, but the government had not yet reached an agreement with any company.

He blamed the ministry and provincial authorities concerned for their false promise of promoting farming.

Director of Agriculture and Livestock Eng. Muhammad Hussain Sapi said the group was unaware of their problems and the directorate would buy 600 metric tones of improved seeds for four districts.
He had formally shared the problems with the ministry officials, who diverted all their attention to the drought-hit northern provinces, the Abdyani added. (Pajhwok)