Title: ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS' INCOME AND PRODUCTION COSTS ON STRAWBERRY CULTIVATION: EVIDENCE FROM NOWIN-E OLYA VILLAGE, INJIL DISTRICT, HERAT PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

Authors: Abdul Sattar Fazely, Mojibullah Hafizi, Mohammad Ozair Jamshidi and Elyas Safi

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: agricultural profitability, farm income, market constraints, net income, production costs, strawberry production

Volume: 41

Issue: 2

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.2.0003

Abstract: Strawberry production has emerged as an important source of income for smallholder farmers in Afghanistan; however, its economic performance is influenced by production costs, market access, and institutional conditions. This study aimed to assess farmers' income and production costs associated with strawberry cultivation in Nowin-e Olya village, Injil District, Herat Province, Afghanistan in 2025. A survey research design was applied, and primary data were collected from 60 randomly selected strawberry growers using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. The findings indicate that 21.67% of respondents earned a moderate net income ranging from AFN 122,760 to AFN 206,089, while 31.67% achieved a higher income exceeding AFN 206,089. In addition, 45% of farmers reported relatively low production costs below AFN 39,237. Regarding socio-economic characteristics, 40% of respondents were over 50 years old, 21.67% were illiterate, and 33.33% belonged to large households of more than eight members. Furthermore, 71.67% of farmers participated in agricultural training and extension programs. Among the major constraints, lack of an appropriate market (98.3%) was identified as the most significant challenge, while farmers emphasized government support, irrigation development, and market regulation as the most important recommendations for improving production efficiency and income levels. The study concludes that although strawberry production has strong potential to improve rural livelihoods, its sustainability depends on improved market systems, reduced production constraints, and stronger institutional support.