At the International Conference on Poverty Reduction and Agricultural Growth in China, Sadr Azam Osmani, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, highlighted the urgent need for global support for Afghanistan’s agriculture sector. He stated that if the world wants to reduce poverty, Afghanistan should be the starting point.
Osmani emphasized that poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has nearly reached zero. He also called on the international community to implement alternative crop programs for Afghan farmers, noting that poppies are not only a challenge for Afghanistan but also pose a problem for the world.
Speaking about the Islamic Emirate’s delegation’s participation in the conference, ministry spokesperson Misbahuddin Mustaeen said: “Alhamdulillah, Afghanistan is one of the countries highly suited for growth and development. If the world aims to reduce poverty, it would be wise to begin with Afghanistan, as it is now a secure place for all. Agriculture, mining, industry, and trade are growing here.”
According to some experts, international support, especially from China, could significantly boost Afghanistan’s agricultural sector, thereby strengthening the country’s economy.
Mohammad Nabi Afghan, an economic analyst, told TOLOnews, “We need to focus on standardizing our agriculture and finding ways to bring high-quality products to global markets to increase our income and make the most of the present era.”
Another economic expert, Abdul Ghafar Nizami, said, “The Islamic Emirate alone cannot manage this task. The world needs to invest in Afghanistan to address issues such as water shortages on existing farmland and to irrigate unused land, which will expand agricultural production.”
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock also noted that, twenty years ago, Afghanistan was the largest producer of illicit drugs. However, since the Islamic Emirate’s return to power and the issuance of a ban on poppy cultivation, production has nearly ceased, and farmers have turned to cultivating lawful crops.