KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 26, 2011) — Soldiers of the 2-45 Agribusiness Development Team, or ADT met with Afghan officials in Gardez district, Paktiya province Feb. 23.
The first meeting was with Mohammad Zadran, the director of the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, or DAIL for Paktiya province.
U.S. Army Sgt. Lacy Spanier, senior female adviser of the 2-45th Agribusiness Development Team and native of McLoud, Okla., talks with mechanics at the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock compound in Gardez, Afghanistan, Feb. 23. DIAL mechanics recently completed a course in tractor maintenance, and are now qualified to travel across Paktya and assist Afghan farmers in the repair and upkeep of tractors. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. John P. Sklaney III)
Zadran presented mechanics who recently completed a tractor maintenance course at Forward Operating Base, Gardez, with certificates, symbolizing an important step in the development of sustainable farming in Paktiya.
The mechanics will travel across the province and help farmers maintain their tractors to help Afghanistan become more agriculturally productive.
“Today is a momentous day in Paktiya,” said Zadran. “The training these Afghans completed will allow all of Paktiya to prosper.”
The same day, a graduation was held for 16 Afghans who completed a para-veterinary training course. During the course, students learned about animal biology, common illnesses, medicine, treatments and preventative care for their livestock.
“The training will allow the Afghans to return to their districts and further spread knowledge about animal husbandry to a greater number of Afghans,” said Zadran.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Altebaumer, agricultural team chief for the ADT, discussed plans to work with the DAIL for future training opportunities.
“The ADT plans to conduct additional para-vet training with the DAIL’s support,” added Altebaumer. “The training the Afghans received is crucial because knowledge is something that can’t be taken away.”
After leaving the DAIL, the ADT visited the Gardez Women’s Development Center to inspect a recently constructed greenhouse.
U.S. Army Sgt. Lacy Spanier, the ADT’s senior female advisor, met with Helema Khazan, the Director of Women’s Affairs, at the center to discuss the significance of the greenhouse.
“The greenhouse will allow Afghan women to further themselves and also their families,” said Spanier. “Not only will they learn how to grow a variety of crops, the women will be able to either feed their families or sell the extra crops as an additional source of income.”
By using greenhouses, Afghan farmers can extend the growing season by more than two months before and after the traditional growing season.
“The Afghan government officials are working with the ADT to provide additional greenhouses across Paktiya province,” said Altebaumer. “Future greenhouses in the province will allow for extending the growing season and also provide a valuable teaching aid.”
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