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Dept for International Development

Answer

Mr. Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether his Department has funded (a) alternative employment for workers in the poppy industry and (b) the purchase of poppy crops in Afghanistan since 1997. [220783] Hilary Benn: As a counterbalance to the elimination of the illicit opium economy in Afghanistan, opportunities to pursue alternative licit livelihoods for existing and potential poppy growers must be developed. DFID works through the National Priority Programmes of the Afghan Government and with a range of NGOs to provide both agricultural and non- agricultural inputs and technical support to give farmers alternative livelihood opportunities in poor rural areas. DFID funds targeted alternative livelihood programmes in Badakhshan and Eastern Hazarajat. In Badakhshan, DFID is also funding a "Cash for Work" programme in order to generate increased minimum wage employment through labour-intensive public works. This is designed to provide up to 500,000 person days of employment for those previously generating income from growing poppy. We are in discussion with the Government of Afghanistan and others to identify opportunities to provide similar support in other key poppy growing provinces. DFID has not, as part of its programme, purchased any poppy crops in Afghanistan.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

431 c1801-2W;431 c1797W; 220783

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Crops Agriculture Development aid Employment Drugs Farmers Sales Afghanistan Opium Diversification

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk