Towards Peak Situation; Nearly Done Project in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is moving through one of its biggest development phases with the Qosh-Tepa Canal project. This canal, which is almost finished, is bringing new hope to the people of northern Afghanistan. It is not just a construction project; it is a sign that the country can stand on its own feet and make real progress after many years of struggle.

The Qosh-Tepa Canal is located in northern Afghanistan and stretches through the provinces of Balkh, Jawzjan, and Faryab. It starts from the Amu Darya River, which flows along Afghanistan’s border with Central Asia. The canal will be around 285 kilometers long and aims to irrigate nearly 550,000 hectares of dry and barren land. This means thousands of farmers will finally get water for their fields, and agriculture in northern Afghanistan will take a big step forward.

This project was started by the current Afghan government to use the country’s own water resources for the benefit of its people. For decades, Afghanistan relied on imported food, especially wheat. But now, with the completion of the Qosh-Tepa Canal, the country hopes to grow enough crops to feed its own population.

Recent reports from different Afghan and international sources show that the work is progressing quickly. By late 2025, the second phase of the project was almost 90% complete. The first phase covered around 108 kilometers in Balkh Province and is already finished. The second phase, which passes through Jawzjan, includes bridges, water control systems, and protection walls. The third phase will continue towards Faryab Province. Once completed, the canal will distribute water to thousands of villages and farms.

Afghan engineers have already tested the water flow in some sections, and it has worked successfully. In some areas of Balkh and Jawzjan, farmers have started using the canal water for planting crops on a small scale. People in these provinces say this project is changing their lives, giving them jobs, and bringing new opportunities.

However, the project has also drawn attention from neighboring countries like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. These countries depend on the same Amu Darya River for their own irrigation systems. They are worried that if Afghanistan takes too much water, their own farmlands might suffer from shortages. Experts estimate that the canal could take 20–30% of the river’s water. Because of this, some have called for talks between Afghanistan and its neighbors to manage the water fairly.

The Afghan government says it has full rights to use the river water that flows along its border. Officials say Afghanistan never benefited from it in the past because of political problems, but now it is time to use the country’s own resources for its people. They also say that the project is not meant to harm anyone but to fight hunger and poverty inside Afghanistan.

From a technical point of view, there are still some challenges. Because the soil in northern Afghanistan is sandy, there are chances of water leakage or loss through evaporation. Engineers have started using concrete lining in some parts of the canal to prevent this problem. They are also working on systems to measure and control the water flow.

Despite these challenges, the Qosh-Tepa Canal has already become a strong symbol of Afghanistan’s independence and progress. For many Afghans, it shows that big projects can be done without foreign help. The canal is creating thousands of jobs for local workers, technicians, and farmers. It is also encouraging many young Afghans to learn engineering and agriculture to take part in rebuilding their country.

Once the canal is fully operational, experts say Afghanistan could become self-sufficient in food production. This would mean saving millions of dollars that are currently spent on importing wheat and other crops. It would also make the country’s economy stronger and help reduce poverty in the north.

The project will also bring benefits beyond farming. New roads, storage buildings, and irrigation systems are being developed along the canal’s route. These will improve transport, trade, and business in the northern region. Local shops and small factories are already growing near the construction areas, which means more jobs and more income for the people.

In the long run, the Qosh-Tepa Canal can help improve Afghanistan’s environment too. When new farmlands become green, it can reduce dust storms and soil erosion. More vegetation means better air and more rain, which helps fight climate problems in the region.

Still, the government must be careful to manage the canal wisely. Using too much water from the Amu Darya could cause environmental damage in neighboring countries. Experts suggest that Afghanistan should work with regional water organizations and scientists to monitor how much water is used. This can help prevent future conflicts and protect the environment for everyone.

In short, the Qosh-Tepa Canal is a big step toward Afghanistan’s self-reliance. It shows that progress can come through unity, hard work, and belief in national capability. While some challenges and regional concerns remain, the benefits for Afghanistan’s people are clear. The canal will turn dry deserts into productive farmlands and change the lives of thousands of families who depend on agriculture.

Today, as the project nears completion, Afghans look at it with pride. They see the Qosh-Tepa Canal as more than just a source of water—it is a source of hope. It tells the world that Afghanistan is not only a land of mountains and memories of war, but also a land of potential, growth, and determination. With this project, the country is truly moving toward a peak situation—one where the flow of water becomes the flow of progress, and where every drop carries a promise of a better future.