The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), in a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, said that UNAMA is working to organize a meeting on alternative crop cultivation to poppy, treatment of drug addicts, and assistance to farmers.
According to a statement from the Presidential Palace, this meeting is expected to be held soon with the participation of representatives from various countries, organizations, and the Islamic Emirate.
Hamidullah Fitrat, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, regarding the meeting between Roza Otunbayeva and Mullah Abdul Kabir, said: “UNAMA is trying to organize a meeting for alternative crop cultivation to poppy and other narcotics, treatment of addicts, and cooperation with farmers, in which representatives of the Islamic Emirate are also invited.”
At the same time, some political analysts consider holding such meetings on Afghanistan important.
Janat Faheem Chakari, a political analyst, told TOLOnews: “The fundamental way is to establish an agricultural development bank in Afghanistan that creates cooperatives through banks and supports farmers through these cooperatives.”
Qaribullah Sadat, another political analyst, said: “If not completely eradicated, it is nearly zero. A substitute for preventing future risks is an urgent necessity, and it should be considered by international organizations and countries affected by this issue.”
Meanwhile, a number of farmers say that to boost the country’s economic growth, support for farmers is essential.
Mushk Alam, one of the farmers, told TOLOnews: “Gardens of walnut and cumin should be established, and improved seeds should be distributed to farmers.”
Another farmer, Abdul Shakoor, said: “We request all organizations to help farmers so they can support their families by cultivating other crops.