Tag "Afghanistan opium"
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Two Papers On Poppy Cultivation in Rural Helmand From Varying Perspectives
The Afghan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) presented two issued papers by Dr. Mansfield: Stirring Up the Hornet’s Nest and High and Dry. Both of these papers shed a light on the impact of poppy cultivation in rural Helmand but
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First group of Afghan female coders develop game to combat opium
Afghanistan’s first group of female coders have developed a game called Fight Against Opium in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of opium. The game is based on stories told by the brother of Khatera Mohammadi, one of
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Afghan Think-Tank Study Predicts More Poppy Cultivation for the Year 2017
The results of a new study, conducted by the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) with financial support from the European Union, indicate more opium poppy cultivation in Helmand in 2017 than in the province’s past years, including the previous
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What opium poppy and tax reveal about the Afghan State
The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU), in a European Union (EU)-funded study, has released a paper highlighting the challenges of assessing control and influence that both state and non-state actors have over the territory and population of Afghanistan. As
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Saffron flower festival held in Herat province
The first saffron flower festival was held in western Herat province on Wednesday to appreciate the works of saffron producers in the country. The pioneer province in the cultivation of saffron, Herat expects to produce more than 4 tons of
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Saffron growing satisfactorily in Takhar
Provincial agriculture department official in Takhar said saffron production proved to be satisfactory after 16 fields were cultivated with saffron as a test. Each crop produced 600 kilograms of saffron, indicating a satisfactory harvest. The crop was cultivated in Taloqal,
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Afghans not too optimistic about economic situation
Afghans have cited deteriorating economy as their top concern, according to a new Gallup poll. Two in three Afghans see local economic conditions getting worse, as per the poll. The new poll illustrates that the Taliban are not the only
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US awards USD 16mn to provinces countering narcotics
The United States has awarded USD 16mn to 17 provinces that have made efforts in curbing narcotics and/or maintaining a poppy-free status. The award support development projects such as health, clinics, agricultural tools, schools and more. Addressing a press conference
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Saffron production on the rise in Afghanistan
In a bid to boost saffron production in the country, the Afghan Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has established around 100 exhibitive pieces in various provinces to help farmers receive technical support in saffron cultivation. Saffron is witnessing an unprecedented
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Helmand farmers switching to wheat cultivation
Farmers in Helmand, world’s largest opium-producing region, had cultivated wheat on about 100,000 hectares of land this year. In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN), Agriculture Director Rohullah Rawan said distribution of seeds to farmers and public awareness
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US government lifts ban on Kam Air
The US government has lifted ban on Afghanistan’s first and major private airline company, Kam Air, who was accused of ferrying large quantities of opium on civilian flights. The ban on Kam Air was suspended by the US government in
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Poppy cultivation decreased in Helmand
According to local officials, poppy cultivation has been curtailed in Helmand, Afghanistan’s leading producer of opium. The officials have credited the efforts by the security forces in destroying poppy fields and opium production facilities for the decline in poppy cultivation
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Saffron production spreads from 20 to 26 provinces across Afghanistan
Ministry of Agriculture officials have reported that saffron production has spread from 20 provinces to 26 provinces in the past year. Given the lucrative business of the expensive spice in the market, more Afghan farmers are turning into saffron production.
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Twofold increase in Saffron production in Kunduz
Saffron Growers Association in Kunduz province has reported that the province has witnessed a twofold increase in the production of saffron compared to last year. “Saffron is the next best alternative to the growth of opium in the province. The
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Over 4 tons of Afghan saffron exported to foreign countries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock officials said over 4 tons of saffron were exported last year. The Afghan calendar year 1391 proved to be a good year for saffron harvest mainly due to improvement in the product packaging and
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Taliban launch poppy eradication program in Kunar
The Taliban have begun eradicating poppy crops in eastern Kunar province, according to the Pajhwok Afghan News. A rebel commander, who did not want to be named, insisted they had always prevented poppy cultivation in their areas and would not
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Taliban launch poppy eradication program in Kunar
The Taliban have begun eradicating poppy crops in eastern Kunar province, according to the Pajhwok Afghan News. A rebel commander, who did not want to be named, insisted they had always prevented poppy cultivation in their areas and would not
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Taliban launch poppy eradication program in Kunar
The Taliban have begun eradicating poppy crops in eastern Kunar province, according to the Pajhwok Afghan News. A rebel commander, who did not want to be named, insisted they had always prevented poppy cultivation in their areas and would not
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Taliban launch poppy eradication program in Kunar
The Taliban have begun eradicating poppy crops in eastern Kunar province, according to the Pajhwok Afghan News. A rebel commander, who did not want to be named, insisted they had always prevented poppy cultivation in their areas and would not
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Afghanistan’s economy becoming less reliant on narcotics
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Afghan economy’s reliance on opium production has declined in 2012. In 2011, narcotics formed 15% of Afghanistan’s production and exports. The figure dropped to 10% in 2012. The UNODC
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Unemployment fuels insecurity in Afghanistan
The Afghan government recently announced that it needs to create half a million jobs a year to tackle the growing unemployment in the country. The high unemployment is cited as the main motive for Afghans joining insurgency. Lack of jobs
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Zabul promises to halt poppy cultivation
Zabul residents pledged that they would stop the cultivation of poppy, calling it un-Islamic and illegal. In return, they urged the government to provide them with work opportunities, particularly for the young people in Afghanistan. The residents cited unemployment as
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Laghman cultivates more vegetables today than before
Many Laghman farmers are switching to cultivating a variety of vegetables as an alternative to poppy cultivation. “We produce more vegetables today than before,” said Laghman’s director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Mohammad Ismail Daulatzai. Farmers are also experiencing with
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America to assist opium-free provinces in Afghanistan
America has pledged USD 1mn in aid to opium-free provinces of Afghanistan. A memorandum of understanding in this regard was signed on Tuesday between the American Embassy and the Afghan Ministry of Counter-Narcotics. According to latest figures, more than 17
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Kam Air’s blacklisting suspended
The United States of America have suspended the blacklisting of Afghanistan’s first and major private airline company, Kam Air, who has been alleged for involvement in opium trafficking. “It is an appropriate, logical course of action at this time for
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