Afghanistan

Two decades of war coupled with a recent severe drought have devastated Afghanistan's food production capabilities and depleted critical seed stocks, leaving the nation heavily dependent on food aid from international donors.

ACIAR's collaboration with Afghanistan, which started in 2002, provides support to wheat and maize production. Wheat is by far the most important crop, while maize is the third most important. Capacity enhancement is also very important. Activities have aimed principally to provide seed from suitable cultivars via import, establish on-farm participatory testing of imported germplasm for the identification of better adapted improved cultivars, and undertake local multiplication and distribution of selected cultivars. Particular attention is being paid to improving rust resistance in wheat and promoting improved crop management, along with provision of improved cultivars of both wheat and maize.