UN: Opium cultivation in Afghanistan on the decline
According to the United Nations, the Taliban in power in Afghanistan have made great progress in the fight against opium production.
According to a UN report published on Sunday, the cultivation of opium has fallen by 95 percent since the Islamists banned it last year. In the past, around 90 percent of the opium poppy grown worldwide, which is the basis for opium and heroin, came from Afghanistan.
According to the UN, the area under cultivation in the country totaled 233,000 hectares last year, but has now fallen to 10,800 hectares. At the same time, the cultivation of wheat has increased.
In the country, which is plagued by war and poverty, the cultivation of the drug is considered very profitable and contributes to the survival of many farmers. According to the UN special envoy for Afghanistan, almost 80 percent of the Afghan population is dependent on agriculture. However, the country is struggling with water shortages.
Poppy cultivation banned
"In the coming months, Afghanistan urgently needs strong investment in sustainable livelihoods to give Afghan farmers opportunities to move away from opium cultivation," said Ghada Waly, executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
The Supreme Leader of the Taliban, Haibatullah Achunsada, banned poppy cultivation by decree in April last year. Although cultivation was already illegal in Afghanistan before the Taliban came to power in August 2021, it was still widespread. Both the Taliban and members of the old, foreign-backed government were seen as profiteers of the opium trade.
Since taking power in August 2021 and the chaotic withdrawal of international forces, the Taliban have drastically restricted human rights. Their rule has recently become increasingly authoritarian and dogmatic. The Islamists are extremely repressive towards all forms of opposition. The access of women and girls to education and work has been severely restricted, as has their freedom of movement in public spaces - for example for medical care and travel.
The Taliban's ban on poppy cultivation has led to a significant decrease in conflicts related to drug trafficking, as opium production has drastically reduced in Afghanistan. Despite the UN's commendation of the 95% decrease in opium cultivation, the ban on poppy farming has also resulted in financial hardships for many farmers, contributing to the ongoing challenges of poverty and food security in the country.
Source: www.dpa.com
