Kentucky ADT plans for Parwan soybean facility

By Sgt. 1st Class Peter Ferrell
Combined Joint Task Force 101

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Hamm, the Parwan team leader for the Kentucky National Guard's Agribusiness Development Team, Haji Quhir, owner of the Bastan Seed Company in Parwan, and David Mull of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, discuss the plan for a soybean factory in Parwan Aug. 12, 2010. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Peter Ferrell, Combined Joint Task Force 101)
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PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan, (8/23/10) -- The owner of the Bastan Seed Company, Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team members and U.S. Department of Agriculture representatives discussed a proposed soybean processing facility here on Aug. 12.

The proposed factory, which is in the planning stage, would greatly benefit the Afghan people, because the factory would provide jobs for local workers, said Army Lt. Col. Robert Hamm, the Parwan team leader for the Kentucky ADT.

“Soybean meal is good for the people because it is high in protein, and it is an excellent source of feed for animals in its raw form,” he said.

A contract with Nutrition Educational International was signed this week for the equipment to process the soybeans. NEI will provide personnel to teach the employees how to operate and maintain the machinery, said Haji Quhir, the owner of the Bastan Seed Company.

“We are all here, because we want to help,” said Hamm.

Hamm, Quhir and the representatives from USDA also discussed the construction of a building that will house the machinery and equipment. All four people worked together taking measurements in the front courtyard of the seed company compound to determine the size and location of the proposed building.

Hamm also inquired about how the beans would be watered and where the wastewater would go.

With this information a cost of construction can be determined and possible funding from the ADT can be approached. Armed with answers, dimensions and sketches, Hamm bid farewell with the understanding he would return in about 10 days with drawings of the proposed building.

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