The World Bank will fund horticulture development projects in 20 provinces at cost of $120 million over the next six years, Afghan officials announced Saturday.
About 50,000 acres are expected to be converted to gardens under the project, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. Officials said the Bank pledged to pay more if spending of the current allocation remains on track.
"If we are able to spend the money in three to four years, the Bank will pay more money. Our pledge is to spend the money transparently and in coordination with the relevant agencies," said Naqibullah Salik, Horticulture Coordinator at the Ministry of Agriculture.
The fund will result in the creation of horticulture projects in Kabul, Bamiyan, Kapisa, Panjshir, Nangarhar, Laghman, Logar, Paktya, Herat, Farah and a number of northern provinces.