INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) has formed a special committee to finalize the five-year alternative livelihood
plan for poppy farmers in Afghanistan.This plan includes alternative livelihood projects aimed at strengthening farmers& economy, reducing
and eliminating poppy cultivation, and encouraging farmers to grow legitimate and diverse crops.Some experts also believe that the only way
to completely eradicate drugs in the country is to offer alternative cultivation, but on the condition that the cultivation process is
monitored.According to them, farmers should still be supported sustainably and refined seed and chemical fertilizers should be provided to
them on time.Recently, Japan announced Tokyo is providing $10 million to support alternative livelihoods for former poppy farmers in
Afghanistan.The funds, administered through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Afghanistan, will also support drug use prevention,
treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration services for the most vulnerable communities.The targeted provinces for this aid are
Badakhshan, Helmand, and Kandahar.The post Agriculture ministry forms special committee for alternative to poppy farming first appeared on
