The Taliban has banned the harvesting and processing of poppies in a transfer that can have a big impression on Afghanistan's financial system.
A 2021 report by the United Nations estimated that annual opium manufacturing contributed 7% to Afghanistan's Gross Home Product.
The brand new legislation has been launched as farmers and migrant employees in Helmand province put together to reap this yr's crop.
Many say the ban will destroy them as they take out loans till they're paid for every crop.
"The cash goes into the pocket of others (smugglers), we simply get 1 / 4 of the cash constituted of cultivating poppies, and no matter cash we make we use it to pay again for the cash we borrow earlier than the beginning of cultivation season," mentioned farmer Sahaar Gul.
The UN report mentioned 6,000 tonnes of opium paste was used to create 320 tonnes of pure heroin, which is equipped to worldwide sellers. The ruling Taliban's edict will disrupt this commerce, however may also encourage farmers to sow crops corresponding to wheat as a substitute of poppies.
The shortage of revenue will go away many rural communities dealing with extreme hardship at a time when Afghanistan is minimize off from worldwide support.
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