Farmers in Farkhar Protest Taliban Policies: “Extortion Under the Name of Zakat”.
Farmers in Farkhar district, Takhar province, say that the “ushr and zakat” system imposed by the Taliban has become an unfair and heavy financial burden.
They emphasize that these amounts are collected without providing any agricultural services, and they believe that the revenue does not support the needy or public projects but benefits local officials personally.
Farmers report that since the Taliban’s return to power, they have received no support programs, distribution of fertilizer, agricultural advice, or facilitation.
Villagers in Khafra and Qapangard say agricultural officers frequently inspect farms and orchards as if they were co-owners. Farmers describe this process as “extortion” and question its religious legitimacy.
Some report that despite their hard work, the Taliban forcibly collect crops without consent. Those who refuse to pay or protest face threats of arrest and fines from agricultural officials.
Local sources claim that corruption in Farkhar’s agricultural management is systemic, with both current and former officials abusing the collection of ushr and zakat. Last year, for example, ushr of 30,000 AFN was imposed on an ownerless orchard, forcing the owner to destroy it.
Officials implicated include former director Santullah Farkhari and the current director, reportedly close to Mullah Mohsen.
Residents express exhaustion over injustice, disorder, and the absence of accountability and call for their voices to be reflected in the media.
