The increase in opium cultivation in Afghanistan reflects economic hardship, despite the Taliban’s ban
The recovery followed one after another plummeting 95% by 2023when the ban virtually eliminated opium production nationwide, leading to a sharp decline in Afghanistan’s opium output.
However, While cultivation has increased, current levels remain significantly lower Compared to 2022, there will be 232,000 hectares of poppy cultivation.
UNODC CEO Ghada Waly emphasized the urgency of sustainable alternatives for Afghan farmers in the face of their pressing challenges.
“With opium cultivation remaining low in Afghanistan, we have the opportunity and responsibility to support Afghan farmers in developing sustainable sources of income free from illegal markets,she said.
“Afghan women and men continue to face severe financial and humanitarian challenges, and alternative livelihoods are urgently needed.”
Changing farming models
The UNODC report points to notable geographical variation in farming patterns. While southwestern Afghanistan has traditionally been the country’s opium hub, 59% of opium growing this year took place in the northeastern provinces.
This represents an almost four-fold increase in the region compared to last year, showing the potential of both adaptive growing methods and the influence of market pressures, as rural communities seek solutions replaced amid strict enforcement of opium prohibition.
According to UNODC, the factor behind the rise of opium cultivation may be market dynamics combined with the difficulties faced by farmers. Dried opium prices stood at approximately $730/kg in the first half of 2024, up sharply from pre-ban levels, averaging around $100/kg.
“High prices and dwindling opium stocks could encourage farmers to flout the ban, especially in areas outside traditional growing centers.including neighboring countries,” UNODC said.
Farmers without sustainable alternatives face a more precarious financial situation, the report adds, highlighting the need for other sources of income so they can be resilient against unemployment. return to opium poppy cultivation in the future.
Need support
Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and head of the United Nations Support Mission in the country (UNAMA), acknowledges both the success in reducing opium production and the difficulties facing Afghan farmers.
“This is further important evidence that opium cultivation has indeed declined and this will be welcomed by Afghanistan’s neighbors, the region and the world,” she said.
However, she also warned that rural Afghan communities have lost a vital source of income and international support is urgently needed to ensure a sustainable transition away from opium production.
“If we want this transition to be sustainable…they desperately need international support.”
