Following the ban on opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, many farmers in Nimroz have been forced to turn to alternative crops. Products such as saffron, wheat, cotton, vegetables, and fruits have been introduced by the government and relevant institutions as alternative sources of income.
Officials at the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock have also confirmed the livelihood challenges facing farmers, citing financial constraints and climate change as major obstacles to providing broader support for farmers. These challenges have placed alternative crops, including cotton, at risk of failure.
Meanwhile, a number of farmers in Nimroz believe that without the provision of water resources and the creation of markets, the transition to alternative crops has failed to address their livelihood crisis.
Abdul Basir Rahmani, a farmer in Khash Rod district of Nimroz, says that after abandoning opium poppy cultivation, he has turned to cotton cultivation. He complains about the difficulties caused by drought and says,
“If there is enough water, cotton yields are good. The situation has become more difficult because water is scarce. So far, the government has not provided any assistance. Khash Rod district needs a water dam, but no action has been taken yet.”
Gul Ahmad, another farmer from Nimroz who cultivated opium poppy for more than a decade, says his income has declined sharply. He says that he previously earned up to 300,000 Afghanis annually, but his current income from cotton production is not comparable to his previous earnings.
“Cotton is a good alternative, but it still does not meet household needs. Some people have been forced to find other sources of income, such as running shops or traveling to Iran, because of drought and poor market conditions,” he adds.
Meanwhile, agricultural experts warn that without proper management of water resources and the development of essential infrastructure, alternative crops will not succeed. Esmatullah Noorzai, an agricultural expert in Nimroz, says,
“If the Nimroz water dam is properly constructed and managed, the water shortage problem in several districts will be resolved, and farmers will be able to achieve good yields from crops such as cotton, chickpeas, beans, and potatoes.”
At the same time, officials at the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock confirm the existing challenges and identify financial constraints and climate change as the main factors contributing to the current situation. Sher Mohammad Hatami, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, told Salam Watandar,
“The main challenges include shortage of financial resources, restricted markets, drought, climate change, and the need for greater technical and infrastructure support. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is undertaking serious and sustained efforts.”
Although farmers in Nimroz do not intend to return to opium poppy cultivation, continued drought, the lack of stable markets, and the lack of government support have raised concerns that, without sustained support, alternative crops may become only a temporary solution rather than a means of ensuring sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
Reporter: Kobra Salari
