Mohammad Islam's Journey to Gardening Success

Mohammad Islam, a 48-year-old gardener from Tarang village in Qarghayee District, Laghman Province, shoulders the responsibility of providing for his large family, which includes his wife, two sons, and seven daughters.

Despite facing financial constraints, Mohammad harbored a lifelong dream of owning a garden. Limited to working on a small piece of land cultivating seasonal vegetables, he struggled to make ends meet, often borrowing from the community to meet basic needs. The turning point in Mohammad's life came with the support of the CBARD-ALL project, an initiative focused on empowering farmers. This assistance enabled him to establish a flourishing lemon orchard, a dream nurtured through persistence and external aid.

"Thanks to ActionAid and the CBARD-ALL project for helping me achieve my dream of owning a profitable orchard. The cultivation of Yureka lemons has not only boosted my income but also instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment," Mohammad expressed gratefully.

However, the challenge of acquiring essential farming tools loomed large after setting up the orchard. A visit from ActionAid’s CBARD-ALL Project brought hope as they provided him with a kit containing the necessary tools to maintain his orchard effectively.

"Receiving the essential tools was a game-changer for me. I now tend to my lemon orchard with joy and fulfillment, grateful for the support I've received," Mohammad shared.

Today, Mohammad tends to his lemon orchard, reaping a significantly improved income. With the project's support, his earnings have more than doubled, reaching around 30,000 AFN—a considerable leap from his previous income.

Acknowledging the need for knowledge and tools, Mohammad highlights the project's role in providing training sessions and essential horticulture tools. From pruning equipment to fertilizers, pesticides, and a wheelbarrow, these resources have been instrumental in his success.

"In my journey, I've learned the value of knowledge and access to the right tools. The CBARD-ALL project has not only provided me with resources but also equipped me with the skills needed to succeed in horticulture," Mohammad reflected.

In addition to orchard establishment and tool provision, the CBARD-ALL project facilitated market linkages for farmers. On June 2024 Mohammad had the opportunity to participate in agricultural exhibition in Kabul, where he made valuable connections and secured lucrative deals amounting to 11000 AFN at the Kabul exhibition.

"Attending the exhibitions was a transformative experience for me. I learned from fellow farmers, established relationships with traders, and secured deals that have significantly boosted my income," Mohammad shared.

Mohammad's journey stands as a testament to the transformative impact of community support and initiatives like the CBARD-ALL project in turning dreams into reality, fostering economic empowerment, and creating pathways to success in agriculture.