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March 06, 2006

Opium Poppy Cultivation Rising In Afghanistan

A poppy plant in Afghanistan (AFP)

March 6, 2006 -- A new survey has revealed that Afghan farmers, already the world's biggest producers of opium poppies, are planting more poppies this year than they did last year.

The country's government has made reducing poppy production a top priority.


The survey, by the Afghan government and the United Nations, indicates that more poppies are being grown in 13 of Afghanistan's provinces. The survey says cultivation levels are stable in 16 provinces and have dropped in only three provinces.


Poppies are the main ingredient used to make heroin.


Doris Buddenberg, of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, said her organization is concerned about the trends.


(AP)


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