K-P pushes alternative crops to end poppy

Farmers to get seeds and support to curb narcotics cultivation

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to provide alternative crops to farmers in the tribal districts to ensure the complete eradication of narcotics cultivation, particularly poppy farming. Under the initiative, farmers in Khyber and Mohmand tribal districts will be supplied with seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural facilities to discourage poppy cultivation.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Peshawar Division Commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud, which was attended by Secretary Excise and Taxation Khalid Ilyas, officials of the Anti-Narcotics Force, Agriculture Department and representatives of the district administrations of Khyber and Mohmand.

The meeting decided to form special committees comprising district administration, Anti-Narcotics Department, Excise Department, police and agriculture officials to prevent poppy cultivation. Awareness campaigns will also be launched through elected representatives, including members of the national and provincial assemblies.

Briefing the meeting, Secretary Excise Khalid Ilyas said a modern hybrid poppy seed had been developed that cannot be used for narcotics production and is intended solely for pharmaceutical purposes. The seed will be provided to farmers after approval from the federal and provincial governments.

The agriculture department informed the meeting that areas previously used for poppy cultivation have strong potential for legal and more profitable alternative crops. Farmers will be given free alternative seeds suited to their land, offering up to three times higher returns.

Commissioner Mehsud stressed that March is a sensitive period for poppy cultivation and directed that alternative seeds be provided before then.