Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth is directly affected by sowing dates. However, the yield of wheat in Afghanistan is significantly lower than the global standard. Several factors including fertilizers, sowing dates, seeds and cultivation methods, contribute to this low yield. The objective of this research was to address this critical issue by comparison of the effects of different sowing dates on wheat yield and its components under Kabul climatic conditions. The same experiment was conducted at two sites in 2020 using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and twelve treatments. The varieties used were Darolaman-07 (V1), Mazar- 99 (V2), and Chunta-1 (V3) as factor one, and sowing dates of November 10th (S1), November 18th (S2), November 26th (S3), and December 4th (S4) as factor two. Growth and yield parameters measured and analyzed included plant height, number of leaves plant-1, total number of tillers plant-1, leaf area index (LAI), leaf nitrogen content (N), spike length, number of spikelets spike-1, number of grains spike-1, grain weight spike-1, thousand- grain-weight, days to maturity, number of spikes plant-1, biological yield, grain yield, straw yield, and harvest index. Sowing dates had significant effects on some wheat growth and yield parameters. Sowing on November 10th, 2020, resulted in the highest plant height and leaves number per plant compared to later sowing dates. There was a significant interaction between sowing date and variety at (P˂0.01) in both growth and yield parameters. ANOVA analysis highlighted significant differences among wheat varieties in spike length, grain weight spike-1, thousand grain-weight, and harvest index, with notable variations observed among different varieties. Based on the results, the longest duration to maturity and the highest grain yield were observed on sowing date of November 10, 2020.

In Afghanistan food safety is managed by several ministries including Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce and municipalities. There is no food law but multiple ministerial decrees which ensure if GMP is implemented well. There is no legal requirement to get food safety certification. Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) is recognized as a key part of food safety management practice in the global food industry and can be applied at any stage of the food supply chain. This article discusses accepted approaches to the application of HACCP principles for the development, implementation, and maintenance of HACCP plan. It is intended as an introduction to food safety system in Afghanistan, giving propositions to government on how to apply the principles in a stepwise approach, and showing how HACCP benefit public and private sector and also suggesting ways how to adapt this approach in the food businesses.