Welcoming Spring and the New Year in Afghanistan

The HUN PRT assists the agricultural sector with significant development projects in its area of responsibility around Baghlan Province.

The last day of the old year is very special for the farmers of the province because according landowners traditionally gather at the College of Agriculture in Pol-e Khomri to welcome the New Year together and ask for blessing on a good harvest. Lt.-Col. János Somogyi, the commander of the HDF Provincial Reconstruction Team (HUN PRT) was invited to take part in this significant event. The commander handed over gift packs to those 50 farmers who had outstanding crops results last year, then planted a tree together with the participants of the ceremony in the garden of the college.

“By the time this tree grows up, its trunk and roots will have become strong so it will be able to withstand any storms, just like the government of Afghanistan has been gaining power since its establishment. With the strengthening of the government, the relations between the two countries will be strengthened too", Lt.-Col. Somogyi said.

Besides celebrating nature, this day is about reappraising human relations, forgiveness and optimism. By tradition, women gather on this day to bake cakes. The servicewomen of the HUN PRT revived this tradition with inviting some Afghan women to Camp Pannonia where they presented them with Hungarian doughnut (carnival dessert) and small gifts.

Of course, the contingent did not forget about the local staff of employees working in the camp either. Speaking at the ceremonial staff meeting, Lt.-Col. Somogyi thanked them for the work they’ve done so far, and handed over New Year’s greeting cards and souvenirs.