"With opium cultivation remaining at a low level in Afghanistan, we have the opportunity and responsibility to support Afghan farmers to develop sustainable sources of income free from illicit markets. The women and men of Afghanistan continue to face dire financial and humanitarian challenges, and alternative livelihoods are urgently needed," said Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC.
"Despite the increase this year, production still remains significantly below pre-ban levels. The annual survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said cultivation had increased to 12,800 hectares (about 32,000 acres)."
Opium prices are about $730 per kilogram, far above the pre-ban average rate which was $100. The high prices may be causing farmers to disregard the ban, said the report.
Production in the southwest, which borders Pakistan fell 65% this year, while the only exception was the Helmand province which saw an increase of more than 400%."
Collection
[
|
...
]