Poppy Fields in Afghanistan: Implications for the Development of a Healthy Agriculture

Abstract

This chapter is to describe the problem of growing, processing and traffic of illicit drugs in Afghanistan with a realistic look at its social causes and effects along with a brief history of opium and cannabis production in Afghanistan. With such a background, the implications of opium problem on any plan to help rebuild and restructure Afghanistan's economy can be better understood as the general view of the authors is to redirect the agricultural potentials in north Afghanistan towards a healthy stage that can lead to near self-sufficiency in provision of food for the area's residents. We believe that the problem of growing, processing and traffic of illicit drugs in Afghanistan should be discussed with reference to its role in the household economy of farmers, the resultant social and political anarchy, and hindrance to the development of a healthy agriculture and economy. The causes of this phenomenon can be delved into, with a view to the history of the events and the current situation especially in north of Afghanistan. The prospective picture for Afghanistan could be portrayed by looking at the real data and statistics available through the work of international organizations (most notably UNDCP) and the solutions to opium problems should be sought considering the deep changes that are needed to empower the farmers with the necessary tools to grow other crops, while remembering the immediate needs of a society that has few alternatives to earn a minimum living. With a short discussion on all the social, economical, political, and humane perspectives of the opium issue, the importance of providing a competent system of irrigation for the farmers living in north Afghanistan could not be overemphasized, considering the potentials of Amu-Darya river to support a healthy and strong agriculture on its left bank.