"UN Survey Reveals 95% Decline in Opium Cultivation in Afghanistan"

Opium cultivation in Afghanistan has decreased by 95% since the imposition of a drug ban, according to a UN survey. The supply of opium fell from 6,200 tons in 2022 to 333 tons in 2023, with a corresponding decline in the area under cultivation. While this presents an opportunity to combat the illicit opium market, it also has immediate humanitarian consequences for rural communities that relied on opium income. The UNODC emphasizes the need for alternative development support and investment in sustainable livelihoods. Treatment options for opiate use disorders are limited, and there is a risk of increased trafficking and use of harmful alternatives like fentanyl.