Washington Post reports climate change could revive poppy cultivation in Afghanistan

The Washington Post reported that climate change jeopardises Afghanistan’s farmers’ livelihoods.

According to the report, water scarcity, lack of alternative crops, and support programs could drive farmers back towards poppy cultivation in Afghanistan.

The ban on poppy cultivation, while reducing production significantly in Afghanistan, faces challenges from the impacts of climate change.

The Washington Post noted discontent among farmers over the poppy ban, citing lower prices for alternative crops, job scarcity, and poverty. Satellite images revealed drastic drops in poppy cultivation in Helmand and Kandahar, affecting wheat and cotton prices.

Haji Wazir, a 55-year-old farmer, told The Washington Post, “When I grew poppy, I made five times more profit, and the cultivation and harvest were easier. But now, we can’t cover our costs with other crops.”

The newspaper highlighted clashes in Badakhshan due to poppy field destruction and growing opposition to the ban across Afghanistan. In Badakhshan province alone, poppy cultivation plummeted by 56% from 2021 to 2022, as reported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has announced efforts across provinces to explore lucrative alternatives to poppy farming, like grains and fruits, with pomegranates and almonds promoted as substitutes, despite warnings from soil and water experts about challenges in arid, saline regions.

Amid forced deportations from neighboring countries like Iran and Pakistan, Afghanistan faces a dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by severe droughts and deadly floods. These environmental challenges further strain the already limited job opportunities and resources, worsening the plight of Afghan refugees returning to uncertain futures.

The combination of forced deportations, economic hardships, and climatic disasters has created a precarious situation in Afghanistan. The influx of returnees and a lack of employment opportunities and basic amenities underscores the urgent need for international assistance and sustainable solutions to mitigate the ongoing crisis.

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