Usmani urges global investment to reduce poverty

KABUL (Pajhwok): At the international conference on "Poverty Reduction and Agricultural Growth" in China, the Afghan delegation called for increased investment in the country's agricultural sector.

The conference, aimed at assisting 800 million poor people worldwide, brought together 300 specialists and agricultural officials from various countries, including Afghanistan. The event took place on November 1 in Beijing.

In his address, Maulvi Sadr-i-Azam Usmani emphasised the need for supporting nations grappling with water scarcity, conflict and other forms of instability.

He remarked, “Thank God, Afghanistan is one of the countries that is very conducive to growth and development. If the world wants to reduce poverty, it would be better to start with Afghanistan, as it is now a safe place where agriculture, mining, industry, and trade are growing.”

He continued, “So let us invest in Afghanistan to help not only the country but also one billion people globally who are currently living in poverty.”

Usmani also addressed the issue of opium poppy cultivation, noting: “Twenty years ago, Afghanistan was known as the largest producer of narcotics and opium, but the Islamic Emirate has brought opium cultivation to zero in line with a special decree, and now farmers are turning on the cultivation of halal products."

He urged global investment in Afghanistan's agricultural sector and sought support for Afghan farmers through alternative livelihood programmes. He said opium was a problem affecting not only Afghanistan but the entire world.

Additionally, he appealed to global aid organisations for necessary assistance to Afghan growers, considering the current security environment.

At the conference, a professor from Oxford University expressed concern about Afghanistan's situation and urged international collaboration with the country.

sa/mud