Economics of Agricultural Production in Helmand Valley, Afghanistan

Abstract

Helmand Valley, in southwest Afghanistan, has a rich agricultural potential. Irrigation farming has been carried on in the Valley by diverting water from the Helmand and Arghandab Rivers in this Valley for many centuries. In the early 1950's a large irrigation dam was built on each of these rivers. This has given security to farmers by assuring a supply of water throughout the season. This report represents results of 2 1/2 years of work done by the writers in 1963, 1961, and 1965. It was inaugurated at the request of officials of the Helmand Valley Authority, who have kept closely in touch with the results as they have been found. Procedures used in planning this project, securing the data, analyzing the results, and preparing the report should be helpful to agricultural leaders and USAID Mission leaders.