Hilmand Province, Afghanistan ― April 19, 2010 ― The AVIPA Plus distribution of vegetable seed, fertilizers and low plastic vegetable tunnels in Nad-e Ali district is helping bring a new level of prosperity to thousands of farmers in this central district of Helmand province, Afghanistan.

The distribution, which began at the end of March, will reach 4,000 farmers. The vegetable seeds, fertilizers and low tunnel components have a combined value of nearly $3 million.

Low tunnels will help farmers overwinter their spring and fall vegetable seed packages. This will increase farmers’ profit by allowing them to bring vegetables to market outside of the peak season.

The tunnels will provide the farmers with additional income which will enable them to reinvest in improved seed next season or in infrastructure projects on their farms - or to simply build their savings – all of which will increase stability in this region of Afghanistan.