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Agriculture in Afghanistan: A Journey from Livelihood to Development
Get PDFAgriculture is vital to Afghanistan’s economy and the livelihoods of its people, particularly in rural areas. This study examines Afghanistan’s agricultural journey, focusing on how sustainable practices can transform it from subsistence to a thriving industry. Using case studies from the UK, Mexico, India, and the Philippines, we explore the successful strategies of the Green Revolution—mechanization, high-yield seeds, and chemical fertilizers—that bolstered food security and economic stability. Afghanistan faces unique challenges, including rapid population growth, prolonged droughts, and high food costs, necessitating tailored sustainable practices. Our findings reveal critical areas for intervention, such as improved water management, mechanized equipment, and research collaboration, to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. By implementing these recommendations, Afghanistan can overcome obstacles and promote a resilient agricultural sector that meets food demand and enhances economic prosperity
Impacts of Climate Change on Vector-Borne Diseases of Animals and Humans with Special Emphasis on Afghanistan: A Review
Get PDFVectors are organisms that transmit pathogenic microorganisms among animals and humans. Infections transmitted by the bites of blood-sucking arthropods are called vector-borne diseases (VBDs). This review highlights the impacts of climate change on the distribution, seasonal variation, and socioeconomic effects of VBDs in affected countries, especially Afghanistan. There is good enough evidence indicating that recent climate change has affected the interaction of the vector-pathogen-host cycle in many parts of the world. The emergence and re-emergence of bluetongue virus (BTV), Rift Valley Fever (RVF), lumpy skin disease (LSD), West Nile Virus (WNV), and malaria in new areas previously considered free of the diseases, and shift of seasonal occurrence of many VBDs in endemic areas, are the clear examples of climate change impacts on VDBs. Although significant progress has been made regarding VBD surveillance systems, diagnostic capacity, vaccine development, and vector control programs in resource-rich countries, failure in adaptation programs and ineffective mitigation strategies against VBDs in developing countries, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Afghanistan facilitate widespread distribution of VBDs in these regions. Furthermore, developing drug resistance among the pathogens and their vectors makes the conditions more suitable for VBDs wide dispersion. Such situations cause severe health and socio-economic burdens to affected countries. Developing early-warning systems for detecting VBDs, identifying and developing resistant livestock species and breeds, and applying interceptive measures based on integrated research programs are crucial to effectively reduce the harmful impacts of VBDs on human and animal populations
Understanding Adverse Drug Effects and The Clinical Pharmacist's Role in Their Management
Get PDFPharmacological interventions are the cornerstone of modern medical treatment, designed to address specific diseases, alleviate symptoms, and improve patients' quality of life. However, misconceptions persist regarding drug effects, such as the belief that all pharmacological effects are beneficial and that all side effects are adverse. Clinical Pharmacists (CPs) play a crucial role in managing drug-related problems, but their contributions remain underrecognized in Afghanistan. This study aims to address these misconceptions and emphasize the role of CPs in managing adverse drug effects (ADEs). A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore the categorization of drug effects and the role of CPs in ADE management. The findings reveal that pharmacological effects are not always the intended effects, and side effects are not always adverse. CPs are vital in identifying risk factors such as polypharmacy and specific drug characteristics, establishing therapeutic goals, and mitigating ADEs. In conclusion, drug ineffectiveness and lack of efficacy should be categorized as ADEs, and side effects that contribute to therapeutic outcomes should not be deemed adverse. Integrating CPs more effectively into healthcare systems is essential to optimize medication management, ensure safer treatments, and enhance patient outcomes
Exploring the Multi-dimensional Impact of Insects on the Green Revolution
Get PDFThe Green Revolution marks a significant era of agricultural advancement in the mid-20th century, playing a vital role in addressing global food security challenges. While the contributions of crop breeding, mechanization, and agrochemical use to this movement are well-recognized, insects' complex and varied impact remains less explored. This paper highlights insects' diverse roles during this transformative period. Drawing on a range of scientific research, scholarly publications, and online scientific databases, this review examines insects' beneficial and detrimental influences on the Green Revolution. Pollinators like bees and butterflies supported crop fertilization, boosting yields and preserving genetic diversity. At the same time, pest insects pose serious threats to crop productivity, often resulting in considerable losses if uncontrolled. Developing and applying insecticides were pivotal in mitigating these risks and safeguarding crops against destructive pests. Insects also shaped the ecological balance within agricultural systems; predatory insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, naturally controlled pest populations, reducing dependency on synthetic insecticides. Decomposers, such as dung beetles, contributed to nutrient recycling and soil health, indirectly supporting crop growth. However, the Green Revolution’s reliance on high-yielding crop varieties and intensive farming practices unintendedly affected insect populations and biodiversity. The widespread adoption of monocultures and heavy pesticide use led to habitat loss and a decline in insect diversity, which may disrupt ecosystem services and affect long-term sustainability. Understanding the multifaceted role of insects in the Green Revolution is essential for guiding sustainable agricultural practices in the future
Determination of Anthocyanin Content in Saffron Petals of Herat Province
Get PDFSaffron is a valuable product that is semi-resistant to drought and is used in various cases, including in the food industry as a flavoring agent and in the medical industry as a sedative, anti-depressant, and anti-heart disease. In Afghanistan, only saffron stigma is used, and thousands of tons of saffron petals are thrown away as waste. In contrast, saffron petals have a high amount of anthocyanin that can be used in the food industry instead of artificial colors, which, in addition to having a bright color, is not harmful and has anti-cancer and anti-virus properties. An experiment was conducted to determine the amount of anthocyanin content in saffron petals on 80 samples from Ghorian, Pashtoonzarghon, Gozarah, and Karokh districts in the autumn of 1397 using a spectrometric method in the Food Technology Laboratory Faculty of Agriculture, Herat University. The results of this study showed that the Gozarah District with (1691 mg / L) had the highest amount of anthocyanin in petals, and the lowest amount of anthocyanin (1469 mg / L) was recorded in saffron petals of the Ghorian District. The difference in the amount of anthocyanin among different regions depends on different environmental factors, such as agricultural operations and the type of saffron corn. The findings of the research showed that by extracting anthocyanin from saffron petals and using it in the food industry and medicine, not only the loss of this major and valuable part of the saffron flower is prevented, but it will help in the economic development of farmers and the country
Farmyard Manure and Gypsum Effects on Soil pH and EC in a Semi-Arid Region of Kandahar, Afghanistan
Get PDFSoil alkalinity and salinity are the two main problems in Kandahar province, which cause poor crop growth and yield losses. FYM and gypsum can reduce soil alkalinity and salinity and gradually fix the mentioned problems. The application effects of these amendments have not been investigated before in this area. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in the old city of Kandahar province in 2023 to assess the impacts of FYM and gypsum on soil pH and EC in the common bean field. The study utilized a split-plot design, with three main plots varying FYM application rates (0, 5, and 10 t ha-1) and three subplots representing different gypsum levels (0, 2, and 4 t ha-1). Results indicated that soil pH and EC were significantly decreased with the increasing addition of FYM and gypsum at all crop growth stages. The significantly lowest pH and EC values were recorded at the harvest stage with the addition of 10-ton FYM and 4.0-ton gypsum per hectare. Except for soil EC at 30 DAS, other interaction effects between FYM and gypsum on soil pH and EC were significant at all crop growth stages. The best treatment was a combination of 10 t ha-1 FYM and 4.0 t ha-1 gypsum, followed by 5.0 t ha-1 FYM and 4.0 t ha-1 gypsum, where the lowest pH and EC values were recorded. However, these results were found from a year-long experiment conducted in the old city of Kandahar province and may be recommended
In-ovo Delivery of Lipopolysaccharide Induces Protective Antiviral Responses Against Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus Encountered Post-Hatch
Get PDFInfectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is an avian respiratory virus that causes significant economic losses to the worldwide poultry industry. To address the limitations of current control measures against ILTV infections, it is crucial to develop novel measures that can complement or replace the existing control measures. The in-depth understanding of toll-like receptor (TLR)ligand interaction and activation mechanisms has facilitated the development of more specific synthetic ligands with therapeutic potentials capable of enhancing host immune responses against various infections. As a key ligand for activating the TLR4 signaling pathway, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers immune responses against numerous pathogens. Previous research has demonstrated that the intramuscular injection of LPS in chickens can induce antiviral responses against low pathogenic avian influenza virus (AIV) infections. This study evaluated the potential of in-ovo delivery of LPS to stimulate innate antiviral responses against ILTV infection in post-hatch chickens. The results showed that in-ovo delivery of LPS at embryo day (ED)-18 significantly reduced mortality, clinical symptoms, and virus excretion in chickens infected with ILTV at day 1 post-hatch, which was associated with the expansion of the macrophage population in the lungs. This study provides a detailed understanding of the mechanisms underlying the antiviral responses elicited against ILTV infection following in-ovo delivery of LPS in chickens
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cryptosporidiosis in Cattle in Lashkargah City, Helmand Province of Afghanistan
Get PDFCryptosporidiosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease that affects humans and animals and is caused by the protozoa Cryptosporidium spp. This was a descriptive study to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and its associated risk factors in cattle in Lashkargah City, Helmand province of Afghanistan. One hundred and fifty-seven cattle were selected randomly from the 37 areas of 8 districts of Lashkargah. To confirm the presence of Cryptosporidium spp., a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique was applied to visualize the oocysts of the protozoa in fecal samples. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect additional information regarding demographic, hygienic conditions, and water sources of the animal and human population in the area. From the 157 studied cattle, the oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 3 samples (1.9%). At the same time, 56.1% of the studied villages were near the running water, and in 4.5% of cases, animal waste materials or residues ended up in the water sources. In brief, considering the husbandry practices, farm hygienic conditions, and water sources in the study area, there is a very likely higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Helmand province. High-scale province-wide researches are required to determine the incidence and prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in animal and human populations
Evaluation of the Past Climate Changes Effects on Potato Growth and Yield by Modeling
Get PDFGlobal warming and climate changes and their effects on the phenology stages and production of crops have attracted attention of researchers. We investigated the impacts of climate changes, phenology stages, yield potential as well as the effects of climate changes on the growth and development of potatoes as a stable food crop. In this study, SSM-iCrop2 simulation model methodology was used to investigate the climate change process, phenology stages, yield potential and the effects of climate changes on the growth and development of potato in 19 main meteorological stations from 1991 to 2015. The selection of meteorology stations was done based on the area under potato cultivation to implement the GYGA protocol. SAS program was used to explore the trends and slopes of the evaluable parameters, and GIS maps were used to analyze and interpret the trends and slopes. The results on potato phenological stages showed that with increasing the average of temperature, the length of planting period until the beginning of tuber formation in two meteorological stations, the period of tuber formation in four meteorological stations and the whole growing period in six meteorological stations were significantly decreased. The results also showed that the changes during the phenological stages, temperature, and radiation received during the growth caused a significant increase on yield at Shahrekord meteorological station and a significant decrease in other 6 meteorological stations. Based on the results, climatic factors had a significant effects on total yields
Optimizing the Planting Date for Onion Production: Correlation Between Weather Conditions and Plant Growth, Yield, and Bulb Quality
Get PDFoai:ojs2.kujnsr.com:article/3This investigation was carried out during 2018 and 2019 at the research farm of the Agriculture Faculty of Kabul University, Afghanistan to study the correlation between weather conditions (maximum, minimum and mean temperature, relative humidity, cumulative day light and cumulative rainfall) and onion plant growth, yield and bulbs quality, as well as to find the optimal planting date for onion variety Safid e Paisaye. The data was analyzed with STAR software. The results of this study reveal that, increasing temperature and decreasing relative humidity and rainfall during growing season, caused faster maturity of bulbs, produced small sized bulbs, and finally reduced onion bulbs yield. It was observed that, due to relatively lower temperature and higher relative humidity during early growth stages the onion grown early in spring (seed sown in early March and transplants planted early in May) took longer period for maturation, produced larger bulbs and higher yield. This was also noted that due to longer maturation period the onion plants grown in early spring received a higher cumulative heat and sun light which contributed to improve bulbs quality and yield of onion. Based on this study results it is concluded that, early planting date of onion variety Safid e Paisaye not only increased significantly yield but also improved bulbs quality