The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) has formed a special committee to finalize the five-year alternative livelihood plan for poppy farmers in Afghanistan.
This plan includes alternative livelihood projects aimed at strengthening farmers’ economy, reducing and eliminating poppy cultivation, and encouraging farmers to grow legitimate and diverse crops.
Some experts also believe that the only way to completely eradicate drugs in the country is to offer alternative cultivation, but on the condition that the cultivation process is monitored.
According to them, farmers should still be supported sustainably and refined seed and chemical fertilizers should be provided to them on time.
Recently, Japan announced Tokyo is providing $10 million to support alternative livelihoods for former poppy farmers in Afghanistan.
The funds, administered through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Afghanistan, will also support drug use prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration services for the most vulnerable communities.
The targeted provinces for this aid are Badakhshan, Helmand, and Kandahar.
