UNDP Implements Alternative Opium Poppy Cultivation Program in Six Afghan Provinces

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced that since 2016, it has spent over 90 million US dollars on transforming opium poppy cultivation into horticultural farming in Afghanistan.

This program supports farmers in six provinces where opium poppy cultivation is most widespread. UNDP stated that the goal of these efforts is to create sustainable livelihood alternatives for farmers, encouraging them to shift from dependence on narcotics cultivation to horticulture and high-value crops.

In a statement released by the organization, it was noted that by providing better economic opportunities for farmers, they can move towards healthier lives and reduce their reliance on the drug economy.

Although this program has been ongoing for years, the Taliban administration, which imposed restrictions on the work of international organizations after taking control of Afghanistan, has posed significant challenges to the implementation of such projects. Additionally, the Taliban’s lack of transparency and the absence of legal security for investors have also been cited as factors slowing the effective execution of projects in the target areas.

Continued investment by international organizations can play a crucial role in reducing farmers’ economic dependence on illicit crop cultivation. However, structural, security, and legal support—which can only be provided by a legitimate government—are vital for the sustainable success of these efforts.