Afghanistan and the Opium World Market: Poppy Production and Trade

Hermann Kreutzmann

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Chapter 3 Afghanistan and the Opium World Market: Poppy Production and Trade

In: Pamirian Crossroads and Beyond

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Hermann Kreutzmann

Hermann Kreutzmann
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 73–92

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004704367_006

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Abstract

The Afghan poppy cultivation is presented here as a case in point to exemplify the linkages between external influences and local effects. World market and power relations have influenced cultivation patterns, processing, and trafficking. At the same time, poppy cultivation pinpoints an internal development which is strongly linked to deteriorating state control, warlordism, and regional power politics. Opium production has served as a major source of revenue for the upholding of disparate political structures which reflect the present political map of Afghanistan. Poppy cultivation in Afghanistan gained a substantial push during the last quarter century, from an annual production of 200 tons in 1979 to 4,200 tons in 2004, making use of former development efforts in creating irrigated oases in Helmand and Nangarhar. Prices rose after the Taliban’s 2001 ban on production, raising farmers’ incomes substantially and turning opium into an unrivalled cash crop. Fairly new production zones have been added in recent times; for example, Badakhshan – the stronghold of the Northern Alliance – has gained the third position with major increases in the last few years. Afghanistan’s poppy cultivation and opium production has to be interpreted in terms of globalization and fragmentation. Drug trafficking affects the neighboring states, namely, Iran, Tajikistan, and Pakistan, as they function as consumer markets as well as trade routes for contraband drugs heading towards the West. Consequently, the Afghan poppy cultivation is interpreted in a holistic manner.

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Pamirian Crossroads and Beyond

Human Geography and Geopolitics

Series: Iran and the Caucasus Monographs, Volume: 3

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004704367

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 30 Jul 2024

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Chapter 3 Afghanistan and the Opium World Market: Poppy Production and Trade

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Pamirian Crossroads and Beyond

Human Geography and Geopolitics

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