Background
Prior to 1978 Afghanistan was self-sufficient in its food supply and much fresh and dried fruit was typically exported. Eighty percent 80% of the labor force of Afghanistan is involved in agriculture, but currently 40% of the population is unemployed and 53% of the population is below the poverty level.
Though agricultural production has increased, there is
still much to be done to bring it back to a self-sustainable level. One of the
crucial elements in increasing farmer livelihood and farm productivity is
appropriate mechanization. A small Chinese two-wheel tractor system matches
just what a small-landholding farmer needs. It is lower in cost in comparison
to large four-wheel tractors and highly versatile (many implements can be used
with the tractor: trailers, reapers, cultivating seed drills, and rotovators).
Who We Are: Experience, Products and Services
Osiyo Hamkorlik
Trading (OH) began importing and selling Chinese two wheel tractors, implements,
and all related spare parts in early 2007. OH has professional and technical
staff who have worked with the technology since the fall of 2005. They have
tested it with farmers on-farm in multiple environments and locations in
Afghanistan including Balkh, Jawzjan, Samangan, Saripul, Helmand, Parwan,
Paktika, Baghlan, and Kunduz Provinces. Staff who work for OH have hands-on
experience in assembly, operation, repair and troubleshooting of the tiller and
associated implements. They also have experience in training mechanics,
farmers, government (MAIL) and NGO staff in the technology. To OH’s knowledge,
no other business in Afghanistan has the amount and depth of experience with two
wheel tractor technology.
Future
The consistent result of increased productivity and decreased labor inputs (cost savings for the farmers) has changed initial farmer skepticism into a high demand for this tractor system. The company’s extensive agricultural work has built relationships and a reputation all across the north, with a clear demand from farmers for more tractors, and staff members in place who can provide technical training to new buyers. As such, OH is in a unique position to offer high quality agricultural equipment with unparalleled expertise.