Vulnerable Afghan farmers are producing more opium again, despite Taliban ban

Afghan farmers have significantly increased opium production despite a Taliban ban, according to UN reports. The area cultivated for opium has nearly quadrupled to about 43,000 hectares within a year. Although this is still less than the 200,000 hectares before the ban, farmers can earn over $500 per kilogram of dried opium, compared to $100 previously. Many farmers covertly grow opium in small plots within larger grain fields to avoid detection. The Taliban, who previously profited from opium exports, now strictly prohibit its production to align with their Islamic principles and seek international recognition. Despite risks, farmers find opium cultivation more profitable than legal crops due to intact illegal export routes. The Taliban dispute the UN's production estimates, claiming they are exaggerated.