The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has delivered 87,400 wheat cultivation packages to Afghan farmers this month, marking a critical intervention as the country faces its harshest winter lean season in recent years. The initiative, announced on December 28, 2025, provides certified seeds and fertilizers to improve yields for families reliant on subsistence farming.
With 17.4 million Afghans projected to experience acute hunger this winter, the FAO emphasized that upgraded agricultural inputs could increase harvests by up to 25% compared to traditional methods. "This support isn't just about survival – it's about enabling sustainable livelihoods," stated an FAO representative, noting that 80% of Afghanistan's 36 million residents depend on agriculture.
Despite these efforts, systemic challenges persist. Farmers continue to grapple with outdated equipment, inadequate storage facilities, and logistical hurdles in transporting goods to markets. The FAO's latest report underscores how climate shocks and economic instability have compounded food insecurity across South and Central Asia.
As global wheat prices remain volatile due to production shortages in Europe and North America, analysts highlight the strategic importance of stabilizing Afghanistan's agricultural sector. The FAO program aligns with broader UN efforts to prevent famine in regions most vulnerable to climate change and geopolitical disruptions.
