-->The 2003 opium survey conducted by UNODC and the Afghan
government revealed that Afghan farmers cultivated opium poppy on 80,000 hectares, yielding some 3,600 metric tons of opium, equivalent to more than three-quarters of the world’s illicit opium production last year.

One of the most striking results of this survey was the announced intentions of Afghan farmers to significantly increase opium poppy cultivation in 2004.



- 69% of all farmers interviewed in poppy growing regions of Afghanistan reported intentions to increase poppy cultivation in 2004,….

- Similarly, 75% of all village headmen interviewed expected opium poppy cultivation
to increase in their villages in 2004,

- In 2003, the average income from poppy (US$12,700 per hectare) was much higher
than from wheat (US$222 per ha) or other agricultural products.

- In the poppy growing regions, average daily wages amounted to US$2.7 for
unskilled labour, US$3 for wheat harvesting and US$6.8 for opium harvesting.

- In the absence of a proper rural credit system, opium production, which enables
salaam arrangements (advance sale of the future harvest), plays a key role for obtaining credit.

- No interest (perceived to be against Islam) is charged on most loans, but their actual
cost is high. In October 2003, farmers selling opium through salaam arrangements
were getting 50% to 60% of the prevailing opium market price (equivalent to interest
rates of 66% to 100% for a period of six to seven months, assuming stable prices).
In 2003, 50% of poppy growers and 32% of non-poppy growers took out a loan.
46% of poppy growers and 44% of non-poppy growers intend to take out a loan in 2004.

- The main sources of the loans for both poppy growers and non-poppy growers were
traders/shopkeepers (46% for poppy growers and 48% for non-growers), followed by opium traders (18%) for poppy growers.

Mehr Lesenswertes hier:
Farmers’ Intentions Survey 2003/2004