Improving Agricultural Statistics in the COMCEC Region

for agriculture, and economic indicators, indices and analysis based on the raw data compiled

by ASMIM/MAIL. CSO and MAIL also cover the methodologies, standards, classifications and

international representation for statistics.

The dissemination of statistics falls under the mandate of the CSO. The Economic Statistics

Division is also responsible for the coordination, harmonization and production of statistics in

Afghanistan. There are various other organizations which, in close collaboration with MAIL,

contribute to the compilation of agricultural statistics. These include ARIA (Agricultural

Research Institute of Afghanistan), Ministry of Commerce and NEPA (National Environment

and Policy Agency), which respectively conduct surveys on agricultural production and

marketing, agricultural prices & agro–industries and environmental statistics.

Integration and Coordination of Agricultural Statistics:

The coordination of the

compilation and dissemination of agricultural statistics between the main actors, MAIL and

CSO, is not conducted regularly; rather it is dependent on the circumstances and significant

statistical operations such as the general surveys of agriculture. In terms of exchanging

information, between the various departments of MAPM and High Commission Planning (HCP)

this is conducted regularly, while meetings with professionals are irregular. Statistical surveys

are usually conducted in collaboration with donor and humanitarian organizations.

The ESD of CSO is responsible from various activities within the national statistical system,

including: development and promotion, standardization of concepts, harmonization and

proper use of statistics, and the coordination of the statistical work conducted by the various

methodologies.

In terms of data on forestry and land use activities, the CSO lacks the necessary data in this

area. Although the ASMIM provides continuous support in collaborating with CSO, it has little

to no information on the three major divisions of agricultural production. These are: forestry;

animal husbandry; and medicinal plants and spices. Border trading intensively exhausts these

three production alternatives, yet little information is made available on the magnitudes of this

type of trading.

The Agriculture Statistics Division of CSO receives data from ASMIM, on land utilisation and

acreage for forestry and agriculture. Data on the cultivated land area is also presented by the

types of crop and fruit. The results of crop and fruit production in quantities and the average

crop yields are compiled, as is the number of livestock according to the type of animal, and the

quantities of livestock products such as meat and milk. This Agricultural Statistics Division also

provides data on vaccination and the immunization of animals, and the utilization of fertilizers

and plant preserving tools. All data disseminated by the CSO is collected from the MAIL.

CSO, 2012.

Ibid

CSO, 2012 and CSO, 2014b.