Rebuilding afghanistan Afgahan secure features A V workshop ltd. Videorecording

Afghanistan is in a state of collapse after more than twenty years of occupation, civil strife and warfare. It is hard to find a building - or institution - still standing. Rebuilding after decades of destruction is a daunting task. But is has begun. Despite the ruins and losses, Afghanistan is already regaining its greatest asset. More than one and a half million Afghans have made their way back home, and they keep on coming. After months and even years of living as refugees, either within Afghanistan or in camps in other countries, people are eager to take a chance on peace. Returning Afghans are welcomed with a sack of donated wheat seed. This is part of over 500 million dollars the United States is providing in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan this year. The goal is to help Afghans restore the country’s economic backbone: its agriculture. It is hard to believe now, but not so long ago, Afghanistan needed no help in feeding itself. Before the Soviet invasion in 1979, Afghanistan actually exported crops from its fertile soil. After years as battleground, these fields conceal 100’s of 1000’s of landmines and other unexploded ordnance that must be cleared. Vital irrigation systems have been destroyed, and a 5th year of drought is compounding the hardship. The U.S. Agency for International Development provided 7000 metric tons of wheat seed to the neediest farmers for spring planting. Seed, fertilizer and technical help were delivered by NGO’s such as the International Medical Corps. The wheat varieties provided require much less rainfall and yield a crop in 100 days. Initial results show the investment already paying off. This years total grain harvest is expected to be 82% higher than last years. The United States Agency for International Development will again provide seed and fertilizer for the fall planting. The ultimate goal is to restore Afghanistans ability to produce its own seed. In Wardak Province, Ainullah takes a break with his sons who are helping him bring in a good wheat crop. On less than 20 acres, he supports an extended family of 32 people. Ainullah’s spring planting included over 100 pounds of supplemental wheat seed donated by the United States. He says he is pleased with the yield, but has had to pay dearly for water to irrigate.