Poppy cultivation and opium production have plummeted by over 90 percent in Afghanistan since the Taliban banned the crop in April of last year, as per a UN report released on Sunday.
According to the report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), poppy cultivation has decreased by approximately 95 percent, going from 233,000 hectares at the end of 2022 to 10,800 in 2023, following the official ban on poppy farming by the Taliban in April 2022.
Opium production has followed a similar trajectory, dropping from 6,200 tonnes to 333 tonnes during the same period, dealing a significant blow to Afghan farmers who have suffered a staggering billion decline in their revenue.
UN officials stated that while this trend could aid in the fight against the illegal opium trade, it also poses risks to a vulnerable population that has long relied on the poppy trade for their livelihood.
“This presents a genuine opportunity to work towards long-term results against the illicit opium market and the harm it causes both locally and globally,” said Ghada Waly, executive director of UNODC.
“At the same time, there are important consequences and risks that need to be addressed for an ultimately positive and sustainable outcome, especially for the people of Afghanistan.”
Article from www.aljazeera.com