Blog: Valley of Ali

*Valley of Ali, Afghanistan

Seven years ago, GHNI contracted a plot of land in the Valley of Ali so many farmers could benefit from our poplar cuttings project. Every year, we distributed our poplars and served as a model for local people. They could see and learn how to grow the fast-growing poplar trees in their fields. This village is suitable for growing poplars, and previously the local people didn't know how to grow them.

*Valley of Ali, Afghanistan

Our contract with the landlord for the growing hybrid Poplar trees in the Valley of Ali will finish on March 2016. Within seven years, tens of farmers have benefitted from receiving and growing thousands of Poplar cuttings. Previously, these farmers didn't know about hybrid Poplar planting.

*Valley of Ali, Afghanistan

In Yakawlang District, I heard reports of a landslide. **Ashraf called me and confirmed a huge landslide in Darra Ali, about three miles from our growing poplar trees on the mountain. Gravel, mud, and rocks slid down the mountain and made the water muddy, affecting the river from Yakawlang for hundreds of kilometers to the north of Afghanistan.

*Valley of Ali, Afghanistan

Seven years ago, many farmers never knew about hybrid poplar trees, and now they have become self-sustainable. By distributing our poplar cuttings in many different areas, we demonstrated how farmers can obtain and plant fast-growing hybrid poplars.

*Valley of Ali, Afghanistan

The trees in the Valley of Ali look very beautiful in summer. Our staff members and local farmers taking care of the trees irrigate and give fertilizer every year in June.

*Valley of Ali, Afghanistan

*Valley of Ali, Afghanistan

This year will be another good year for our trees. We have enough water to irrigate all the trees. They look very beautiful, especially this time of the year when the trees are bearing leaves.

*Valley of Ali, Afghanistan

We visited the Poplar tree project in the Valley of Ali in April. It was the time we planned to be there. Usually, this is the time of year for planting trees. Our staff already cut and distributed 2,500 cuttings there, because many farmers were instructed to get Poplar cuttings.

*Valley of Ali, Afghanistan

Spring is the time when cuttings are taken from the existing grove of poplar trees. GHNI hired Hamish, an accomplished horticulturist, as our new office administrator, and he’s helping to develop this project. After seeing the condition of the trees after the harsh winter, we are making plans for the future. We will keep you posted.

GHNI Afghanistan Team

_{*For purposes of security, “Valley of Ali” is a pseudonym of the village being helped by this project.}