Poppy Cultivation in Afghanistan

According to an article by Ambassador, Mark Green, President, Director and CEO, Wilson Center, at a time when the majority of Afghan population struggles to afford food under the collapsed economy and severe drought, the “poppy pledge” threatens to devastate the livelihoods of entire communities. 

According to Green, Afghanistan is the world's largest producer of poppy. Its production grew during the years when United States and coalition forces were present, despite the US spending more than US$8 billion to eradicate the crop.

Production grew during Taliban’s years of insurgency, despite its public opposition to poppy  production because narcotics are contrary to Islam, and perhaps because the militant group reportedly imposed “taxes” on poppy farmers and others involved in the trade as a way of funding its operations.

As Taliban representatives negotiated over the drawdown of Western forces with, first, the Trump Administration and then, later, Biden representatives, they promised to end poppy production in Afghanistan once they regained power.

Even though observers say Taliban have broken many of its other pledges—on matters like the role of women in society and tolerance for diversity of opinion— the “poppy pledge” may be one they’re serious about trying to keep.

In April, Taliban issued a decree that banned poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, and government spokespersons said that offenders would be tried according to Shariah laws and courts.

A representative of the interior ministry told the Associated Press, “We are committed to bringing poppy cultivation to zero.” 

Farmers in Helmand, the center of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, recently reported that armed Taliban officials have begun seizing farms and tearing up fields of poppies with tractors.

Taliban campaign to eradicate poppy cultivation poses significant challenges for millions of impoverished farmers and day laborers that rely on their earnings from the profitable crop.

In 2021, the value of Afghanistan's poppy production was 14% of the country’s GDP at US$1.8 billion to US$2.7 billion, and day laborers can make more than US$300 a month harvesting poppy.