The Taliban has announced that it plans to ban the production of opium in Afghanistan but farmers and traders say they are not the only ones who depend on the drug to survive.
The announcement immediately saw prices of opium almost double.
Farmers say that the Taliban has benefited from opium production over the last 20 years and that there would be “backlash” from poppy farmers, drug lords and the public if the Taliban bans or restricts production.
With Afghanistan’s economy falling and a drought pushing millions into hunger, Taliban officials are warning there is no viable alternative for farmers as poppies remain their only sustainable option, as many people cannot survive on growing vegetables and grains alone.
Afghanistan is the largest opium producer in the world, accounting for more than 80% of global production between 2015 and 2020, and generating millions of dollars annually.