Afghanistan’s cannabis growers prosper, despite Taliban vow to crack down on drugs
The Taliban said it will stamp out the profitable hashish and poppy industry that largely fuelled its takeover, and will stop farmers from growing crops
But for a farmer outside Kandahar, nothing has changed under the Taliban, except for no longer having to pay double taxation to local officials
Afghanistan’s new Taliban authorities swear they plan to crack down on the illicit drugs trade that largely fuelled their successful revolt.
But so far nothing has changed for cannabis farmers like Ghulam Ali, whose crop stands head-height across three hectares (eight acres) of land outside Kandahar.
The plantation lies on the main road through the Panjwai district, northeast of the city, its dark green plants as recognisable as the acrid smell.
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“We benefit from it more than from any other crop or fruit,” said Ali.
“I had the option to grow other things, but poppy needs more investment, more chemicals to protect the plant from disease.”
A man smokes while working with his son in a cannabis field in the outskirts of Kandahar. Photo: AFP
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Under the previous US-backed government, overthrown by the Taliban in August, the hashish farmer paid local officials a levy of 3,000 Pakistani rupees (US$17) per kilogram.
