Slight gains against opium in Afghanistan
The United Nations is reporting that cultivation of opium in Afghanistan has slightly decreased in 2008.
The area of poppy production in Afghanistan and the yield of opium from these crops have reduced this year compared with 2007, a UN report says.
It says more than half of the country’s 34 provinces are now poppy-free - up from 13 provinces in 2007 to 18.
But the southern Helmand region, where Taleban rebels are active, accounts for nearly 66% of all the opium production.
Afghanistan still remains the world’s biggest opium producer. The opium poppy is used to obtain heroin.
Heroin is a $64 Billion market worldwide.
