$38.3M Needed to Save Afghanistan's Wheat Harvest from Fertilizer Price Spike

The FAO has made an urgent appeal for $38.3 million to support Afghanistan's wheat farmers, who are facing severe challenges due to rising fertilizer prices. The crisis is exacerbated by global market disruptions caused by the 2026 Middle East crisis, which have led to a sharp increase in fertilizer costs.

Afghanistan's farmers rely heavily on diammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea fertilizers to boost wheat production, but the high prices may force many to reduce their use or cultivate smaller areas. This could result in lower yields, reduced household food availability, and increased debt for vulnerable households.

The FAO's Richard Trenchard warned that 'this is not a supply crisis; it is an affordability crisis at one of the most important moments in the agricultural calendar.' The organization has already seen the effects of rising fertilizer prices across the country, with farmers like Din Mohammad and Wakil struggling to access the inputs they need.