MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Poppy crop grown in some districts of northern Balkh province has produced flowers, but the authorities are silent on it.
Just before reaching maturity, the poppy plant produces a flower and after about a week, the flower petals fall off, leaving a capsule. Raw opium gum is harvested from this capsule.
Balkh province was declared poppy-free about six years ago, but once again farmers have resumed growing the cash crop in some districts and in some areas, the plant has reached maturity.
The illicit plant is grown in . . .
