Helmand province deputy governor condemns poppy trade

MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN

10.03.2010

Story by 1st Lt. Alex Lim 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

MARJAH, Afghanistan - The deputy governor of Helmand province tackled the region’s problem of narcotics during a shura, including more than 100 local elders, at the district center here, Oct. 3.

“Where there are drugs, there is no peace, and where there are no drugs, there is peace,” said Deputy Provincial Gov. Abdul Sattam Mirzakwal. “I’m telling you, this is a proven formula.”

As he continued to speak, the governor’s assistants posted anti-poppy posters along the walls of the district center.

According to Mirzakwal, there are three ways to implement counter-narcotics: raise public awareness that drugs are against Islam, give farmers an incentive to cultivate other crops through the Food Zone Program and enforce the FZP with law.

“It is against the Islamic religion,” Mirzakwal continued. “I’m telling you, if we get rid of drugs and narcotics, we will have security throughout Helmand.”

To reinforce his statements, Mirzakwal gave a quick overview of FZP, and gave examples of the repercussions for farmers who cultivate poppy.

Starting in 2007, the FZP was the provincial governor’s method to minimize farmers’ dependency of opium poppy cultivation by issuing wheat seed, vegetable seed and fertilizer to them. In 2009 with the help of FZP, Helmand reduced poppy cultivation by 33 percent, which was the largest decrease ever in the province.

International Security Assistance Force has partnered with Afghanistan in recent FZP efforts. Second battalion, 9th Marine Regiment distributed carrot, cauliflower, potato, wheat, corn, radish, onion seeds as well as fertilizer to Afghan farmers in Marjah, Sept. 20. Seed distribution is an ongoing project for Afghanistan in partnership with ISAF.

“Seeing one flower does not mean it’s the summer; likewise, it is going to take more than just the governor to make the change that is necessary in Helmand,” Marzakwal concluded.

• Date Taken: 10.03.2010
• Date Posted: 10.04.2010 11:21
• Story ID: 57472
• Location: MARJAH, AF