Setting Out to Turn Mines to Vines™

10/2006 - As the Americans celebrate the traditional Columbus Day honoring the discovery of a “new world,” I chose to begin my journey to Afghanistan on this holiday taking footsteps for peace in search of a “old world” where ancient wisdom prevails. Reaping a harvest of hope, Afghan farmers are now replacing the scourge of landmines with the nectar of fresh grapes—literally turning MINES TO VINES™.

There are an estimated 10 million landmines in Afghanistan alone, and the seeds of democracy may not be sown when farmers yield only a lethal harvest of toxic landmines. Generational wisdom reminds us that when a grapevine is planted—regardless of the color of our hand or the faith in our hearts—the “roots” will grow with sunlight, water, and a human hand. The grapevine is an ancient icon of peace celebrating the seeds we have in common rather than those which separate us. As this rootstock is cultivated, the choice is in the hands of those who celebrate the harvest worldwide—yielding fresh grapes, raisins, or a fine bottle of wine. While the concept of turning “blood to wine” resonates within Christian cultures as a foundation for peace, the Muslim cultures also celebrate the harvest of fresh grapes and figs which dominated their landscapes for generations. The grapevine represents a “common root” where dialogue for peace may begin in the vineyards.

In 1492, there were no landmines to pierce the skin of Mother Nature as the pristine environment of North America was heralded by the great explorers. Yet, over five hundred years later there are an estimated 70 million landmines silently poised in 70 countries—making it virtually impossible for native discovery and exploration in war-torn countries. What have we done with the sacred land preserved for generations by the elders of the tribes? Whether the boot of a soldier or the sandal of a child, landmines do not discriminate against their intended targets and lay dormant for decades. It takes only eight pounds to detonate a landmine, which prevents a small child from discovering a field of flowers or chasing a butterfly across forbidden fields. Childhoods are robbed when landmines are planted, as over 10,000 women and children step on landmines each year. While there are many global problems in our modern world, there is a cure for the landmine crisis—removal. As a mother of four children, I realize that I have a small voice on behalf of mothers worldwide who silently suffer when their toddler wanders off the path.

With the spirit of discovery for peaceful alternatives propelling me forward, I made a conscious choice to journey to Afghanistan to unveil the former Garden of Central Asia where grapes, pomegranates, melons, cherries and almonds once flourished. The vision for transforming MINES TO VINES™ began with a simple toast in the living room of our family home in September 1997 following the death of the late Princess Diana who catapulted the issue of landmines to the forefront of the international agenda. Now, nearly ten years later, it is heartwarming to witness the harvest of hope where “clusters of grapes” are transported across borders instead of “cluster bombs” as a result of turning ideas into reality. Peace begins from the bottom up, not the top down. The concept of peace seems so elusive in a modern world amidst the breaking news of nuclear tests in North Korea blaring across the BBC en route to Afghanistan. Yet, my resolve for seeking peaceful solutions for future generations was only strengthened with this news, as we may no longer be paralyzed by fear for the sake of our children’s future. Step by step, we may remove these deadly seed of destruction at ground zero by transforming minefields into bountiful vineyards—one field at a time.

Nearly one third of the countries on our planet today have a landmine problem preventing the seeds of democracy from being sown. The case of Afghanistan is a living example of turning “swords into plowshares” as Roots of Peace has transformed thousands of minefields into bountiful agricultural lands. In the 1970’s, Afghanistan was a regional leader in the production of table grapes and raisins.

The country’s 80,000 hectares of grape vineyards brought in export revenues of $48 million a year; most of the grape crop was exported to India and Pakistan. The domestic market for grapes was worth an estimated $33 million. Years of war with the Soviets and Taliban destroyed many of the vineyards. By 1997, the area of actively managed vineyards had dropped by 45%. The vineyards that remain are given reduced yields due to genetic deterioration, lack of inputs, and loss of technical know-how passed on from grandfather to father to son…

Currently, most Afghan grapevines are gown without trellises, with vines draped along rootstock on the ground which leads to mildew and contamination. By pruning the vine, we double the yield for innocent farmers suffering the aftermath of war. Most Afghan grape growers do not practice pruning. Thinning, soil nutrient replenishment, or modern methods of pest and disease control. The lack of cold storage hampers getting fresh grapes to market.

Yet, Roots of Peace entered Afghanistan in 2001 with a determination to transform MINES TO VINES™. Through a grant from USAID, Roots of Peace partnered with the University of California at Davis to bring in new practices to help the Afghan farmer compete within the region by providing alternative agricultural crops. Through private fundraising efforts, over 100,000 landmines were removed north of Kabul in the once fertile Shomali Plains allowing the ancient techniques of farming to be restored. An effort which began from the home and heart of a mother, resulted in revitalizing the Afghan grape industry in Parwan, Kandahar, and Helmand Provinces. Afghan farmers and extention agents are being trained in modern techniques of trellising, pruning and plant protection. Last summer, Afghanistan exported by air freight 45 metric tons of fresh grapes to Saudi Arabia, 26 metric tons to Kuwait, and 20 metric tons to Dubai; the first time that fresh grapes were exported to these countries since the war! Cold storage unites, established by the program, were the key to exporting fresh table grapes. In addition, 1000 metric tons of raisins were shipped to Moscow and Kiev. With the high quality of the grapes produced, Afghanistan has the potential to become a unique producer in the international grape trade!

 The ability to witness a “Harvest of Hope” in Afghanistan and share it with the world through a generous grant provided by the Skoll Foundation will open the hearts of many…

Join us, as we take courageous footsteps forward for peace from the hearts of mothers and fathers worldwide who suffer the plight of living in landmine affected countries!

Inshallah!