Thousands of fruit trees in different areas of Khak-e-Jabar district of Kabul province has been afflicted with agricultural pests.
Residents fear that the disease may spread around and damage more orchards.
The residents rely on agriculture and livestock in the district and have called on the government to take remedial action otherwise it would damage many other fruit trees.
“People here survive on agriculture and gardening. If their orchards are hit by disease, residents will face more problems,” said Local Council Head Shah Rasoul.
The residents say the pests attack the saplings and produce wax that dries up the leaves, leaving the plants dead.
District Agriculture Officer Hayatullah confirmed many fruit trees had been damaged by the disease. “I closely monitored the trees yesterday and transferred the symptoms to the agriculture department for examination.”
