Opium farming in Afghanistan has dropped significantly following a ban imposed by the Taliban government in 2022, the United Nations said.
The total area of land for growing opium poppy shrank 20% since last year, while the amount of opium has fallen by 32% over the same period, according to a survey from the UN's Office on Drugs and Crime.
Afghanistan used to produce more than 80% of the world's opium, with heroin made from Afghan opium making up 95% of the market in Europe. But after retaking power the Taliban banned the practice in April 2022, claiming opium was harmful and contradicts their religious beliefs. The UN said most farmers have complied with the ban despite facing severe economic challenges.
Many Afghan farmers are now harvesting cereals, as poppy cultivation remains significantly more lucrative than legal crops. Over 40% of farmland remains fallow due to a lack of profitable alternatives and adverse climate conditions.
The total area under opium poppy cultivation this year is estimated at 10,200 hectares, mostly in the north-east, particularly Badakhshan province. Four provinces previously known for poppy cultivation were declared opium poppy-free in 2025.
The ban has not completely eradicated the cultivation of opium, as some farmers face dire situations prompting them to risk compliance. Despite the Taliban's efforts, there have been reports of resistance and clashes between farmers and authorities in some regions.
Challenges Ahead: Although opium production is declining, traffickers are increasingly turning to synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, which saw a 50% rise in seizures from the previous year, as these drugs are easier to produce and less affected by climate conditions.
