Indrika Ratwatte, the UNAMA deputy special representative for Afghanistan, said that they are working to provide Afghan farmers with alternative crops to poppy cultivation. During his visit to Badakhshan to review the work of UN partners, he mentioned that converting rain-fed lands into irrigated ones is one of the essential needs of farmers.
Indrika Ratwatte said they are “targeting those farmers for alternate co-production, which means distribution of seeds, distribution of fertilizer, and helping water systems (so) that they can actually irrigate the lands.”
“For the affected farmers, we are working to distribute improved seeds and chemical fertilizers according to our data, and we will also assist these farmers in irrigating their lands to reduce the negative impacts they have suffered from natural disasters.”
Meanwhile, farmers in Badakhshan said that if improved seeds and chemical fertilizers are distributed to them, they will abandon poppy cultivation.
“The government should request alternative crops from other countries to provide us with alternative cultivation options,” said Mohammad Sarwar, one of the farmers.
“We don’t receive chemical fertilizers to use on our farms so that our wheat can yield. Therefore, we cultivate poppies,” said Masood, another farmer.
The UN humanitarian aid coordinator in Afghanistan also said that the organization is committed to covering those in need and those affected by natural disasters with its humanitarian assistance before winter arrives. Additionally, the UN will work on treating addicts and providing job opportunities for those who have recovered from addiction.
