BADAKHSHAN - Poppy crops grown in 300 hectares of land have been eradicated as part of an ongoing anti-poppy campaign in north-eastern Badakhshan province, where the illicit plant has been cultivated in 5,000 hectares of land.

A spokesperson at the Governor's Office, Abdul Maroof Rasikh, told the Pajhwok Afghan News that the campaign that began 15 days ago targeted poppy fields in Kisham, Tishkan, Draim, Urgu, Yafta and Jurm districts.

He said the eradication drive would continue for another two months, saying poppy fields in Khash, Baharak and Warduj towns would be destroyed by next week.

Counter-narcotics Department’s Chief, Mohammad Qaed Faiz, said up to 5,000 hectares of land had been cultivated with poppy in 12 districts of the province. He said their aim was to destroy poppies across the province.

"Before we would cultivate wheat and rice in our fields, but the crops were not profitable," said a farmer, Mohammad Aslam.

He insisted the government had not extended them any assistance like improved quality wheat seeds and chemical fertilizer.

Source: Pajhwok Afghan News