Poppy cultivation in Kunar up by 50pc

ASADABAD (PAN): A poppy eradication campaign was launched on Sunday in eastern Kunar province, where cultivation of the illicit crop increased by 50 percent in 10 districts, officials said.

The campaign supervisor, Idrees Sapi, told Pajhwok Afghan News that nearly 570 hectares of land had been cultivated with poppies in Kunar this year, showing a 50 percent increase in 10 districts.

He said the crop had mostly been grown in Shigal and Manogi districts. The official added the Taliban’s northwestern tribal region of Bajaur.

Governor Syed Fazlullah Wahidi said about 150 acres of poppy farms were eradicated on the first day of the campaign in Norgal district.

Residents say they lack vast lands to cultivate different kinds of vegetables, asking the government to provide them with fertilisers and seeds.

Naqibullah, a resident of Norgul district, urged the authorities to help them after the poppies were destroyed. “People have not sufficient land for cultivating vegetables and other plants; they have to cultivate poppies to meet their needs.”

mds/ma/mud