Agri-business team builds on Missouri's legacy and uses solar technology to go green in Afghanistan

By: Sgt. 1st Class Shelda Sternberg
135th History Detachment






NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - When Missouri's first Agri-Business Development team, which was the pilot team for the nation, deployed to Afghanistan in 2007, it was a pioneering concept to bring Guardsmen with specialized skills in agriculture - mainly farming, livestock and cultivation - together.

The first team returned to Missouri, which has a five-year commitment to the ADT mission in the Nangarhar province, in December 2008 after almost a year of projects that included water management, soil enhancement and crop cultivation.

Currently on the third ADT iteration, the Missouri Agri-Business Development Team III is leading the way in green technology through the use of solar panels on irrigation wells - making Afghanistan green. Currently, the team has close to 60 solar wells in place in the Nangarhar Province.

"We build in the capacity of the government, enabling Agribusiness to recover enabling communities," said Maj. Sean Elfrink, the team's officer in charge.

The submersible pump is powered by the solar panels but with no battery backup. The water goes in a holding tank for the community's Agricultural need.
"The tanks hold the water, so the locals can flood the area; then throw their seeds on the land," added Staff Sgt. Thomas Parson, an engineer for the team.
The depth of groundwater table determines the amount of water obtained from a location. Some wells have been able to irrigate as much as 30 acres or as little as three acres, depending on the local village stewardship.
"Solar wells are getting water to an area so the locals can grow crops of different variety", stated Master Sgt. Don Lilleman, project manager noncommissioned officer in charge.
Successful communities have set up security by the well and care for the solar panels. The government is working to assist the community continuation thru education.
"We are trying to push forward giving the locals the tools they need to sustain themselves," said Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Wooten whose the projects manager.
The solar wells have increased production of crops and significantly helped the development of the Nangarhar agribusiness industry.

"Our mission is to provide better Agriculture services for the Afghan people," added Elfrink.

The Missouri team is working on improving infrastructure in the province with projects including solar powered irrigation, watershed management, crop management and cold storage facilities. The goal of the team is to improve quality of life in the region and usher in an era of self sufficiently.



Posted: 6/4/2010 1:17:05 PM