Afghanistan: world's largest producer of opium

Dylith · 07-03-2007, 02:40 AM

In 2006 the net opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan was 165,000 hectares (one hectare is equal to 107,639 square feet, or 2.471 acres) making Afghanistan the largest drug producing country in the world. While there was a 10,000 hectare increase in eradication of poppy plants in 2006, there was also a 61,000 hectare increase in cultivation. Opium poppy cultivation increased by 59% over the year, making Afghanistan responsible for 82% of global opium poppy cultivation, poppy seeds which are used to make 92% of the world’s heroin. The total export value of opium in Afghanistan is $3.1 billion USD, which is 46% of their annual GDP.

While Afghanistan has gotten much worse, it is worth noting that the Golden Triangle is doing much better with regards to cutting back on drug cultivation, even Myanmar.

The rest of the world also seems to be doing well (meaning that drug production has remained relatively flat instead of increasing) according to the 2007 UN World Drug Report.

Nonphixion · 07-03-2007, 05:27 AM

Maybe relatively flat in 2007 for the rest of the world, but you forget that opium production has gone up by 75% since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2003.

Dylith · 07-03-2007, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by Nonphixion

Maybe relatively flat in 2007 for the rest of the world, but you forget that opium production has gone up by 75% since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2003.

Yes, this is due to the large increase in opium production by Afghanistan as I stated above. Afghanistan was responsible for 82% of the world's opium cultivation. The second largest producer (Myanmar) actually cut its opium poppy cultivation last year.

Drug consumption in the United States has also decreased.

DosEquis · 07-03-2007, 03:08 PM

It is their only source of revenue. While they are building their government and economy we are going to allow it to happen.

motivez · 07-12-2007, 02:37 AM

I don't think we should have any say in whether or not they grow it.

If we want to provide them other opportunities, sure, but we shouldn't have any kind of say in what crops they decide to grow.

I'm not sure they're illegal everywhere, and IMO people should be allowed to ingest whatever they want.

Dylith · 07-12-2007, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by motivez

I don't think we should have any say in whether or not they grow it.

If we want to provide them other opportunities, sure, but we shouldn't have any kind of say in what crops they decide to grow.

I'm not sure they're illegal everywhere, and IMO people should be allowed to ingest whatever they want.

The main concern for us is that it is the Taliban who is thought to be getting most of the money from making and selling these drugs. This money is then used to fight against government and US forces.