The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that opium production in Afghanistan is still 93% lower than in 2022, but it has increased by about 30% in 2024.
In its latest report, published on Wednesday, November 27, the UNODC notes that the level of opium production in Afghanistan has remained low for the second consecutive year.
According to the report, opium production in Afghanistan dropped by 93% after the Taliban imposed a ban on poppy cultivation. However, production in 2024 has increased by 30% compared to 2023.
The UN report shows that opium production in 2024 reached 433 tons, marking a 30% increase in production volume. Additionally, 12,800 hectares of land were used for poppy cultivation this year, representing a 19% increase in the area cultivated compared to 2023.
The value of the opium produced in 2024 is estimated at $260 million, reflecting a 130% increase from the previous year.
Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the UNODC, stated that “international efforts must be coordinated to ensure that this reduction does not lead to the production of other dangerous drugs like methamphetamine within Afghanistan or the region.”
She also emphasized the need to support rural communities dependent on poppy cultivation by investing in infrastructure, agricultural resources, and sustainable livelihoods to provide legal and economic alternatives.
The increase in opium production in 2024 is concerning, especially in the context of international efforts to combat drug trafficking and addiction. The rise in opium value also suggests that the country’s drug trade remains a major challenge.
To effectively reduce opium production, there must be long-term solutions that address both the economic needs of farmers and the broader regional impact of drug production. Investment in legal alternatives and infrastructure could help transition rural communities away from illicit crop cultivation.
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