Written question asked by Mark Simmonds (Conservative) on Friday, 22 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 November 2004. It was answered by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Monday, 1 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps have been taken to encourage Afghan farmers to move from growing poppies to other food crops.

Answer: Mr. Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps have been taken to encourage Afghan farmers to move from growing poppies to other food crops. [193437] Mr. Gareth Thomas: DFID is supporting organisations that are working in a number of poppy growing provinces across Afghanistan, including Badakhshan, Kandahar and Helmand. These organisations, including the Aga Khan Foundation and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, are working with farmers to help them identify and try a range of legal crops, providing seeds, fertilizer and tools. However, crops alone are not the only way to help those involved in opium poppy farming to earn a legal income. These projects also work to identify and help with non-crop and off-farm opportunities, including help with animal rearing, improving animal welfare, and training in crafts such as tailoring.

Secondary information