AFGHANISTAN - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Government of Afghanistan
Ministry of Counter Narcotics
<strong>AFGHANISTAN</strong>
Opium Rapid Assessment Survey
February 2006

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
Abbreviations
ANP
CPEF
GPS
ICMP
MCN
MoI
ORAS
RAS
UNODC
Afghan National Police
Central Poppy Eradication Force
Global Positioning System
Illicit Crop Monitoring Programme (UNODC)
Ministry of Counter-Narcotics
Ministry of the Interior
Opium Rapid Assessment Survey
Research and Analysis Section (UNODC)
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong> <strong>Office</strong> on Drugs and Crime
Acknowledgements
The following organizations and individuals contributed to the implementation of the 2006 Opium
Rapid Assessment Survey in Afghanistan and to the preparation of the present report:
Ministry of Counter-Narcotics:
Ibrahim Azhar (Director, Survey and Monitoring Section), Zafer Zafar (Deputy Director, Survey and
Monitoring Section), Kiali Jan (Survey Coordinator for the central region), Mateen (Survey
Coordinator for the Nangarhar region), Abdul Latif (Survey Coordinator for the Herat region), Fida
Mohammad (Survey Coordinator for the Balkh region), Mohammed Ishaq Anderabi (Survey
Coordinator for the Badakhshan region), Ahmad Qais Aamir (database expert), Zuhra Saddiqe
(data clerk), Nooria Khairandish (data clerk), Zia Ulhaq (data clerk).
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong> <strong>Office</strong> on Drugs and Crime (Kabul)
Doris Buddenberg (Representative), Hakan Demirbüken (Regional Illicit Crop Monitoring Expert for
South-West Asia and Survey Project Manager, RAS/ICMP), Shirish Ravan (Remote Sensing
Expert, RAS/ICMP), Nazir Ahmad Shah (National Project Coordinator), Ziauddin Zaki (Database
Expert), Fazal Mohammad Fazli (Coordinator for the Kandahar region), Mohammad Alam Ghalib
(Coordinator for the Nangarhar region), Altaf Hussain Joya (Coordinator for the Herat region),
Mohammed Alem Yaqubi (Coordinator for the Badakhshan region), Lutfi Rahman Lutfi
(Coordinator for the Balkh region), Abdul Basir Basiret (Survey Coordinator for the Nangarhar
region), Abdul Latif Ehsan (Survey Coordinator for the Herat region), Abdul Jalil Hussain Khel
(Survey Coordinator for the Balkh region), Abdul Qadir Palwal (Survey Coordinator for the
Kandahar region), Fawad Alahi (Survey Coordinator for the Herat Region), Abdul Mannan
Ahmadzai (Administration/Finance Assistant).
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong> <strong>Office</strong> on Drugs and Crime (Vienna)
Anja Korenblik (Programme Manager, RAS/ICMP), Thibault le Pichon (Chief, RAS), Martin
Raithelhuber (Programme <strong>Office</strong>r, RAS/ICMP).
The survey would not have been possible without the dedicated work of the field surveyors.
Implementation of the UNODC Illicit Crop Monitoring Programme in South-West Asia and of the
Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey in 2006 was made possible thanks to financial
contributions from the Governments of the <strong>United</strong> Kingdom, Italy and Finland.
1

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 3
1. METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................................................. 5
2. FINDINGS................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1. GENERAL FINDINGS........................................................................................................................... 7
NORTH-EASTERN ZONE................................................................................................................................18
BADAKHSHAN PROVINCE ................................................................................................................... 18
TAKHAR PROVINCE.............................................................................................................................. 18
EASTERN ZONE............................................................................................................................................ 20
NANGARHAR PROVINCE ..................................................................................................................... 20
KUNAR PROVINCE................................................................................................................................ 20
NURISTAN PROVINCE .......................................................................................................................... 22
NORTHERN ZONE......................................................................................................................................... 23
BAGHLAN PROVINCE........................................................................................................................... 23
BALKH PROVINCE ................................................................................................................................ 23
BAMYAN PROVINCE ............................................................................................................................. 25
FARYAB PROVINCE .............................................................................................................................. 25
KUNDUZ PROVINCE............................................................................................................................. 26
JAWZJAN PROVINCE ............................................................................................................................ 26
SAMANGAN PROVINCE........................................................................................................................ 27
SARI PUL PROVINCE............................................................................................................................ 27
CENTRAL ZONE............................................................................................................................................ 28
GHAZNI PROVINCE .............................................................................................................................. 28
KHOST PROVINCE ................................................................................................................................ 28
LOGAR PROVINCE................................................................................................................................ 29
PAKTIKA PROVINCE............................................................................................................................. 29
PAKTYA PROVINCE .............................................................................................................................. 30
PARWAN PROVINCE............................................................................................................................. 30
KAPISA PROVINCE ............................................................................................................................... 31
WARDAK PROVINCE............................................................................................................................. 31
SOUTHERN ZONE ......................................................................................................................................... 32
KANDAHAR PROVINCE........................................................................................................................ 32
HELMAND PROVINCE.......................................................................................................................... 33
URUZGAN PROVINCE .......................................................................................................................... 34
ZABUL PROVINCE................................................................................................................................. 35
WESTERN ZONE........................................................................................................................................... 36
HERAT PROVINCE ................................................................................................................................ 36
FARAH PROVINCE ................................................................................................................................ 36
NIMROZ PROVINCE.............................................................................................................................. 37
GHOR PROVINCE.................................................................................................................................. 37
BADGHIS PROVINCE............................................................................................................................ 38
Maps
Map 1: Expected opium poppy cultivation trends in 2006 (by province)......................................... 11
Map 2: Expected opium poppy cultivation trends in 2006 (by district) ............................................ 12
Map 3: Opium poppy planting calendar in 2006 ............................................................................. 13
Map 4: Expected opium poppy flowering time in 2006 ................................................................... 14
Map 5: Expected opium poppy harvest time in 2006 ...................................................................... 15
Map 6: Dry opium prices (USD) ...................................................................................................... 16
Map 7: ORAS 2006 sampling frame and selected villages............................................................. 17
2

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
INTRODUCTION
Within the framework of its global Illicit Crop Monitoring Programme (ICMP), UNODC cooperates
with the Afghan Government to operate an opium monitoring system and to conduct annual opium
surveys in Afghanistan, the largest centre of illicit opium production in the world.
To ensure effective and continuous monitoring of the opium production problem in the country, the
system includes three distinct but interrelated components:
1. OPIUM RAPID ASSESSMENT SURVEY (DECEMBER-JANUARY)
The objective of the Opium Rapid Assessment Survey (ORAS) is to assess the situation at
the middle of the cultivation cycle in order to guide the preparation of the Annual Opium
Survey. Implemented over a three-week period beginning in early December, the ORAS
collects information on the geographical distribution and dynamics of opium poppy
cultivation and anticipated harvest times. It also attempts to gather information on other
factors likely to influence the implementation of the Annual Opium Survey, such as
eradication activities and the security situation on the ground. It does not give a quantitative
forecast of the forthcoming opium harvest. The ORAS 2006 was conducted earlier than the
ORAS of previous years in order to make the relevant results available to the Afghan
Government and main stakeholders in good time, i.e. before the opium poppy flowering
period. The early scheduling of the survey has the added advantage that the field work can
be completed before weather conditions become unfavourable.
2. ANNUAL OPIUM SURVEY (MARCH-AUGUST)
Implemented from April to August, the Annual Opium Survey combines ground-level and
remote sensing activities to create a robust yet flexible opium monitoring instrument. It
provides quantitative estimates and detailed maps of the geographical distribution and
levels of opium poppy cultivation and opium production during the year. The report of this
survey is published around September. The 2006 Survey will comprise the following
elements:
Opium Poppy Cultivation Survey
Estimates of areas under opium poppy cultivation in the provinces of Badakhshan,
Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Helmand, Farah, Nimroz,
Faryab, Jawzjan, Badghis, Sari Pul, Samangan, Daykundi, Ghor, Herat, Zabul and
Balkh will be drawn up using satellite images (in 19 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces).
A village survey will monitor opium poppy cultivation in those provinces which are
not covered by satellite imagery. In addition, the Village Survey for 2006 will cover
issues relating to cannabis cultivation, poverty, drug trafficking and a variety of
socio-economic factors affecting villages and farmers.
Crop Development Survey
In order to gain a better understanding of crop development over the year and its
associated phenological patterns in different ecological zones, surveyors take
photos of fields with opium poppy, wheat and a number of other crops in
strategically selected villages every 15 days over a period of two and a half months.
The location of the photographs is recorded with a GPS device. This information
helps to optimize the timing of the field work of the Opium Poppy Cultivation Survey
and facilitates a more detailed interpretation of the satellite images.
3

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
Yield Survey
A capsule measurement survey is carried out during harvest time to estimate opium
poppy yield. A village survey will be carried out in 320 villages, in each of which
three fields will be visited.
Eradication Verification Survey
Eradication activities in 2006 will be carried out by Governors, the Afghan
Eradication Forces (AEF) and the Afghan National Police (ANP). The Ministry of
Counter-Narcotics and UNODC will jointly verify all eradication activities, using
village survey visits, aerial photographs and satellite images.
3. MONTHLY PRICE COLLECTION
As a proxy indicator of opium market dynamics in Afghanistan, opium prices are collected
every month throughout the year in various provinces of Afghanistan (Helmand, Kandahar,
Nangahar, Badakhshan, Balkh and Herat). In 2006, price collection will be extended to
other selected provinces such as Farah, Ghor and Faryab.
This report presents the findings of the 2006 Opium Rapid Assessment Survey. The results of the
ORAS provide important inputs for planning the forthcoming Annual Opium Survey, inter alia with
respect to security provided for the surveyors, trends in and the importance of opium poppy
cultivation, eradication levels, expected harvest time, etc.
The survey reports are available at: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/crop_monitoring
4

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
1. METHODOLOGY
The Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, including training and deployment, was conducted from 4
December 2005 to 8 January 2006 by 70 local field surveyors. It was jointly supervised by the
Ministry of Counter-Narcotics (MCN) and UNODC. The surveyors were selected on the basis of
their experience in opium poppy surveys, knowledge of local customs and their acceptance by
local communities.
The surveyors conducted structured interviews with the ‘headmen’ of selected villages in each
district. A total of 469 villages in 266 districts were surveyed across all provinces. 1 A stratified
sampling method was used to select the villages. The results of previous surveys show that opium
poppy cultivation is most successful at altitudes below 1500m, where it is significantly more
widespread than in areas of higher elevation, whereas opium poppy cultivation above 2500m is
comparatively rare. In view of the uneven distribution of opium poppy cultivation at different
elevations, a stratified sampling method was used to select the sample villages. The villages in the
sampling frame were divided into three groups (strata) according to their elevation:
Group 1: Villages located at an elevation of less than 1500m
Group 2: Villages located at elevations between 1500m and 2500m
Group 3: Villages located at an elevation of more than 2500m
Villages were selected from each group using a systematic random selection technique. The total
sampling ratio was 1.5 per cent. The design and size of the sample facilitate the establishment of
cultivation trends. The sample is not designed for calculating quantitative areas or production
estimates. In addition to the sample villages, the surveyors, using their knowledge of the local
situation, visited other areas in the province to complement their assessment both of opium poppy
cultivation trends and the security situation throughout the province.
Surveyor training and data collection
A total of 70 surveyors, together with nine survey coordinators, were given training in the use of the
survey form and survey techniques over a four-day period prior to the survey by local UNODC staff
in Kabul.
In Afghanistan, opium poppy cultivation is illegal and considered to be forbidden under Islam. The
collection of information on such a sensitive subject is therefore difficult and can be dangerous.
Surveyors are selected from different regions of Afghanistan through a very careful selection
process. UNODC and MCN regional offices and coordinators recruit surveyors according to the
survey specifications and the surveyors’ skills. Most of the selected surveyors already have
experience in conducting UNODC surveys.
Surveyors were trained in techniques for approaching local community members and conducting
interviews. Following intensive theoretical and practical training, they were deployed to the field,
where inter alia they interviewed headmen of villages. UNODC and MCN coordinators monitored
both the surveyors and the progress of the survey closely. Fortunately, the surveyors did not face
any security problems.
1 In 2005, the Afghan Government reorganized the country's administrative division into 34 provinces.
However, for technical reasons, the ORAS 2006 was designed, and its results are presented, according to
the previous administrative division of 32 provinces.
5

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
On a trial basis, the surveyors also collected information relating to crime and the justice
system. The data collected and experience gained will provide useful information for the further
development of crime-related data collection activities.
Photo: Surveyors during training
Photo: Data collection (surveyor interviews village headman)
6

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
2. FINDINGS
2.1. GENERAL FINDINGS
Opium poppy cultivation
The Opium Rapid Assessment Survey (ORAS) for 2006 shows an increasing trend in opium poppy
cultivation in 13 provinces, a decreasing trend in three provinces and no change in 16 provinces as
compared to the results of the Annual Opium Poppy Survey 2005.
At the end of February 2005, the Ministry of Counter-Narcotics and UNODC announced an
expected decrease in opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, which was confirmed by the survey
results reported in August 2005. In 2005, the main reason for that decrease was non-cultivation in
major opium poppy-growing provinces such as Nangarhar, Uruzgan, Laghman, Badakhshan and
Kunar. However, ORAS results for 2006 indicate that the situation is different this year. Villagers
have already planted crops on a scale equal to or exceeding that of 2005, on the basis of which
opium poppy cultivation in the majority of Afghanistan’s provinces is not expected to decrease in
2006. This situation may change, however, depending on the eradication campaign scheduled for
2006. No major eradication activity was reported in Afghanistan between the beginning of the
planting period (October-November 2005) and the end of December 2005.
A comparison of provincial trends expected in 2006 and opium poppy cultivation levels in the same
provinces in 2005 indicates an increase in cultivation in 13 of 32 provinces in 2006. Farmers in
those provinces are aware of the Government’s ban on opium poppy cultivation and the planned
eradication campaign, but do not believe that those measures will be enforced. In the Helmand,
Badakhshan, Zabul, Ghor and Uruzgan provinces, which together accounted for 40 per cent of the
total area under opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan in 2005, a sharp increase in cultivation is
expected. Whilst in 2005 there was a steep decrease in cultivation (by 58 per cent in Uruzgan and
53 per cent in Badakhshan) compared to 2004, most villagers have now resumed opium poppy
cultivation in the majority of districts in those provinces. In Nangarhar province, in districts close to
the centre — where the provincial police have strong control — villagers have avoided opium
poppy cultivation, whereas in remote districts most farmers are cultivating opium poppy at much
higher levels than in 2005.
An expected decrease in opium poppy cultivation is reported in only three provinces where opium
poppy cultivation is neither traditional nor intensive (Nuristan, Sari Pul and Samangan). In 16
provinces, the same level of cultivation as in 2005 is expected in 2006.
Both the 2005 Annual Opium Survey and the 2006 Opium Rapid Assessment Survey confirm that
opium poppy grows more successfully in villages at elevations below 1500m than in those at
higher elevations. Cultivation at elevations above 2500m is very limited due to poor weather
conditions.
Opium poppy may still be planted in upland areas of the northern and central provinces until mid-
March, particularly in rain-fed areas, potentially leading to a further increase in opium poppy
cultivation in Afghanistan as a result of good snow coverage and water availability.
Eradication
The Opium Rapid Assessment Survey did not assess the implementation of the eradication
campaign, but collected general information on eradication activities in those districts visited.
Limited eradication was reported in the Balkh, Kandahar, Sari Pul, Samangan and Laghman
provinces by the beginning of January 2006.
7

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
Eradication activities will be implemented largely from mid-January 2006 by Governors in
Afghanistan, following which the Afghan Eradication Forces (AEF), the Afghan National Police
(ANP) and Governors will carry out eradication jointly in opium poppy-growing provinces. The
Ministry of Counter-Narcotics and UNODC will jointly verify eradication activities carried out in
2006.
Reasons for opium poppy cultivation
Respondents reported the following reasons for opium poppy cultivation (Table 1):
Table 1: Reasons for opium poppy cultivation in 2006
Reasons for cultivation
Number of
observations Percentage
Poverty alleviation (provision of basic food and shelter) 225 37.2%
High sale price of opium 178 29.4%
No aid received from Government or other sources 122 20.2%
Purchase of luxury items (e.g. vehicle, television, etc.) 40 6.6%
Greater profit in relation to area of land cultivated 18 3.0%
External pressure (e.g. from traders or local commanders) 13 2.1%
Lack of water during summer 3 0.5%
High price of food 2 0.3%
Low prices for wheat and cotton 2 0.3%
Demand among addicts 1 0.2%
Lack of land 1 0.2%
Total 605 100.0%
Opium poppy farmers earn up to 10 times more per hectare cultivated than cereal farmers, which
makes opium poppy cultivation an attractive option for farmers (see Afghanistan Opium Survey
2005 (UNODC)). Some 20 per cent of those farmers interviewed complain of lack of aid or
assistance. Interestingly, 6.6 per cent gave “purchase of luxury items” such as televisions,
vehicles, refrigerators, etc., as their reason for growing opium poppy.
Unemployment is a persistent problem in Afghanistan. The ORAS reports that some 23 per cent of
the male population (age 15 and above) in the survey sample are unemployed. The rural
population expects more employment opportunities from the government – an expectation that is
often not fulfilled.
In villages visited in the Badakhshan, Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul and Nimroz provinces,
farmers reported that they had received advance payments from drug traffickers to grow opium
poppy.
Groups such as drug smugglers are encouraging villagers to grow opium poppy, particularly in
Helmand province. They give villagers guarantees for the protection of land on which opium poppy
is cultivated, and in some areas use threats and intimidation to force those farmers that have not
yet cultivated opium poppy to do so.
Prices
In addition to the monthly collection of price information for key provinces, the ORAS 2006
collected price information in all 469 villages surveyed. The average farm-gate price of dry opium is
US$144 per kilogramme, whilst fresh opium costs US$113 per kilogramme (prices as at time of
survey). An overview of dry opium prices by province shows that prices are higher in southern,
western and eastern provinces, whilst generally lower in the northern provinces.
8

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
Graph 1: Average farm-gate prices for dry opium (US$/kg)
250
222
US$/kg
200
150
100
180
154
136
124
107
170 187 161 147139123
137
167171 161152145
150
50
0
Jun-04
Jul-04
Aug-04
Sep-04
Oct-04
Nov-04
Dec-04
Jan-05
Feb-05
Mar-05
Apr-05
May-05
Jun-05
Jul-05
Aug-05
Sep-05
Oct-05
Nov-05
Dec-05
Source: UNODC Monthly Opium Price Report for Afghanistan, December 2005
High prices are found inter alia in Nangarhar and Nimroz. In Nangarhar, where law enforcement is
strong, the price of dry opium per kilogramme is US$207. In Nimroz, a border province that is used
as a major trafficking route to Iran and Pakistan, prices reach US$205 per kilogramme. Map 6
illustrates these regional price differences for dry opium.
Farmers in Afghanistan usually cultivate crops twice a year in irrigated areas, typically growing
maize, rice, vegetables or cotton following the opium poppy or wheat harvest. Some grow cannabis
following the first harvest during the summer. ORAS results indicate that farmers earn a net per
hectare income of US$540 from cotton, US$665 from vegetables and US$1,650 from maize. A
wheat farmer can earn a net income of US$450 per hectare. None of Afghanistan’s agricultural
products can currently match per hectare income from opium poppy, which is estimated at
US$4000.
External assistance
Of the 469 villages visited, 429 received external assistance (91 per cent). A total of 927
assistance activities were reported in those 429 villages. The distribution of external assistance is
presented in Table 2:
9

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
Table 2: Distribution of external assistance activities 2005
Assistance received
GOVERNMENT
NGOs
(Including
USAID)
Provincial
Reconstructio
n Team
(PRT)
RED
CROSS UN USAID WHO Total
Total as
percentage
Medical (including vaccinations) 165 86 3 1 130 1 12 398 42.8%
Agricultural inputs (including fertilizers) 98 46 5 8 7 167 18.0%
Education/school 48 54 2 36 8 148 15.9%
Construction (roads/other) 32 70 5 16 5 128 13.8%
Cash for labour 11 35 5 5 1 57 6.1%
Electricity 6 4 1 11 1.2%
Drinking water 5 5 0.5%
Food 1 1 3 5 0.5%
Dam construction 2 1 1 4 0.4%
Cash as credits 2 2 0.2%
Carpet-weaving machines 1 1 0.1%
Digging of deep wells 1 1 0.1%
Household appliances 1 1 0.1%
Tents 1 1 0.1%
Wheat as payment for labour 1 1 0.1%
Total 362 307 21 3 200 22 12 930 100.0%
In those villages visited, 21 per cent of assistance activities were provided by the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong>.
External assistance provided between January 2005 and January 2006 was largely nonagricultural.
In 2004, agricultural assistance activities accounted for 11 per cent of the total
assistance provided, as compared to 18 per cent in 2005.
Field security
Security was good in most provinces during the Opium Rapid Assessment Survey. However, it was
a concern in most areas of Kandahar, Zabul, Farah, the border districts of Nangarhar, Paktya,
Paktika and Khost and northern and southern areas of Helmand. This situation may worsen as the
opium poppy flowering or harvesting period approaches, since most of these areas report that
villagers and certain groups are prepared to resist eradication.
10

Afghanistan: Expected opium poppy cultivation trends in 2006 (by province -at the time of the Survey, 10th December 2005 - 4th January 2006)
UZBEKISTAN
TAJIKISTAN
TURKMENISTAN
1748
Jawzjan
10837
Mazar-E-Sharif
#
Balkh
275
Kunduz
Takhar
1364
Fayz Abad
#
7370
Badakshan
#
1924
Herat
2967
Badghis
Faryab
Ghor
2689
2665
3227
Sari Pul
Uruzgan
Bamyan
Samangan
0
3874
126 0
106
Ghazni
Baghlan
2563
0
4605 0
Nuristan
Parwan Kapisa
Kunar
Laghman
Kabul
Wardak
Logar Nangarhar
#
0
115
Paktya
Khost
#
1093 Jalalabad
0
1554
274
1059
Peshwar
#
10240
#
Farah
Zabul
2053
0
Paktika
Legend
# Main Cities
Province Boundaries
IRAN
1690
Nimroz
26500
Helmand
12989
#
Kandahar
PAKISTAN
International Boundaries
2005 Cultivation level (ha)
Quetta
#
¯ Geographic
0 50 100
Kilometers
Projection
Datum: WGS 84
Cultivation trend as compared to 2005
Decrease (-50% < and < -10%)
No Change (-10% < and < 10%)
Increase (10% < and < 50% )
Strong Increase (> 50%)
Source: MCN - UNODC Afghanistan Rapid Assesment Survey 2006 (http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/crop_monitoring.html)
Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong>.

Afghanistan: Expected opium poppy cultivation trends in 2006 (by province- At the time of the Survey, 10th December 2005 -4th January 2006)
Legend
# Main Cities
Province Boundaries
International Boundaries
TURKMENISTAN
UZBEKISTAN
Darwaz
Khwahan
TAJIKISTAN
Ragh Shighnan
Cultivation trend as compared to 2005
Darqad Chah Ab
Khamyab
Shahri Buzur
Decrease (-50% < and < -10%)
Qarqin Shortepa
Yangi Qala
Fayz Abad
Khani Chahar
Kaldar
Mingajik
Imam Sahib
Rustaq Fayz Abad #
Dawlat Abad
Khwaja Ghar
No Change (-10% < and < 10%)
Andkhoy
Baharak
Khwaja Du Ko Mardyan
Nahri Shahi
Qalay-I- ZalKunduz
Archi
Wakhan
Increase (10% < and < 50% )
Qaramqol Aqcha
Balkh Mazar-E-Sharif
Ishkashim
Fayz Abad
Kalafgan
#
Khulm
Strong Increase (> 50%)
Chahar Dara Bangi Taluqan Kishim
Dawlat Abad
Shibirghan
Chimtal
Ali Abad Farkhar
Chahar Kint
Baghlani Jad
Chal
Jurm
Sari Pul Sholgara
Ishkamish
Shirin Tagab
Aybak Baghlan Burka
Zebak
Darzab Sayyad Sozma Qala
Khuram Wa Sabagh
Warsaj
Almar Khwaja Sabz Maymana
Puli Khumri Nahrin Khost Wa Firing
Kishindih
Sangcharak
Kuran Wa Munjan
Ghormach
Dara-I- Suf
Bargi Matal
Bilchiragh
Qaysar
Ruyi Du Ab
Andarab
Pashtun Kot
Murghab
Balkhab
Dushi
Hisa-I-Awali
Khinjan
Wama Kamdesh
Kohistan Kohistanat
Tala Wa Barfak
Mandol
Muqur
Salang Panjsher
Gulran
Qadis
Jawand
Kahmard
Nari
Ghorband
Nijrab
Waygal Bar Kunar
Kushk Ab Kamari
Yakawlang
Shibar
Nuristan Pech Asad Abad
Bamyan Shekh Ali
Dangam
Qalay-I- Naw
Alingar
Kushki Kuhna
Surkhi Parsa
Bagram Kohi Safi Tagab
Kohsan
Dih SabzSurobi
Nurgal Sirkanay
Chaghcharan Lal Wa Sarja
Hisa-I- Awali Bihsud
Injil Karukh
#
Chishti Shar
Panjab
Jalrez Nirkh
Goshta
Zinda Jan
Markazi Bihs
Bagrami
Qarghayi #
Hirat #
Jalalabad
Obe
Hisarak
Rodat
Ghoryan
Guzara
Pashtun Zarghun
Day Mirdad
Lal Pur
Shahrak
Waras
Azra
Peshwar
Day Kundi
Chaki Wardak
Dur Baba
#
Tulak
Sayd AbadPuli Alam Jaji Khogyani Dih Bala Achin
Farsi
Nawur Jaghatu
Chamkani
Adraskan
Shahristan
Charkh
Sabari
Pasaband
Ghazni Gardez
Saghar
Taywara
Ajristan
Bahrami Shah
BakJaji Maydan
Dih Yak Shwak
Zurmat
Kijran
Malistan
Jadran
Tere Zayi
Gizab
Qarabagh
Andar Mata Khan
Shindand
Pur Chaman
Jaghuri
Giro
Sharan Ziruk Spera Tani Gurbuz
Baghran Shahidi Hass ChoraKhas Uruzgan
Sar HawzaUrgun
Gayan
Anar Dara
Muqur Ab Band Omna
Sarobi
Hisa-I-Awali
Kamdesh
Khaki Safed Bala Buluk
Tirin Kot Daychopan Gelan Zarghun Shah Barmal
Eastern Panjsher Afghanistan
Gulistan
Dihrawud
Arghandab
Mandol
Wama
Musa Qala
Hisa-I-Duwum
Waygal
Nari
Pusht Rod
Dila
#
Naw Zad
Kajaki
Nesh
Shahjoy
NURISTAN
Bar Kunar
Qalay-I-Kah
Kohistan Koh BandPARWAN
Farah Bakwa
Nawa
Shib Koh
Mizan Qalat
Gomal
Nijrab
Washer
Ghorak
Shah Wali Ko
Dawlat Shah Nuristan
Asad Abad
Sangin
Waza Khwa
Mahmud Raqi
Khakrez
Pech
Dangam
Tarnak Wa JaShinkay
Bagram
Shamulzayi Wor Mamay
Alasay
Chapa Dara
Nahri Sarraj
Lash Wa Juwa
Arghandab
KUNAR
Khash Rod
Atghar
Kohi Safi Marawara
Alingar
Nad Ali
# Daman Arghistan
Tagab Alishing
Narang
Maywand Kandahar
KAPISA LAGHMAN
Chawkay Sirkanay
Lashkar Gah
Maruf
Dara-I-Nur
Kang
Naway i Barakzayi
Dih Sabz
Mihtarlam
Nurgal
Khas Kunar
Chakhansur
Panjwayi
#
KABUL
Kuz Kunar
Surobi
Bagrami
Qarghayi
Spin Boldak
Jalal AbadKama
Goshta
Zaranj
#
Reg
Surkh Rod
Khaki Jabbar
Lal Pur
Hisarak
Chaparhar Bati Kot
Sherzad
Rodat
Shinwar Muhmand Dara
Garmser
Azra
Khogyani
Nazyan
Pachir Wa Agam
Chahar Burja
Reg
Shorabak
Quetta
LOGAR
Dih Bala Achin Dur Baba
NANGARHAR
#
Khushi
#
Jaji
Dishu
¯
Puli Alam
Dand Wa Pata
Lija Mangal
0 50 100
Chamkani
Sayid Karam
Kilometers
KHOST
PAKTYA Jani Khel Jaji Maydan
Geographic Projection
Gardez Musa KhelSabari
Bak
Datum: WGS 84
IRAN
Hirat
Farah
Nimroz
Badghis
Hilmand
Faryab
Ghor
Jawzjan
Sari Pul
Uruzgan
Kandarhar
Zabul
Balkh
Bamyan
Samangan
Ghazni
Kunduz
Baghlan
Paktika
Source: MCN - UNODC Afghanistan Rapid Assesment Survey 2006 (http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/crop_monitoring.html)
Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong>.
Takhar
Paktya
Badakshan
Nuristan
Parwan Kapisa
Kunar
Laghman
Kabul
Wardak
Logar Nangarhar
PAKISTAN
Khost

Afghanistan: Opium poppy planting calendar in 2006
Chahar Burja
Hirat
Farah
Chakhansur
Nimroz
Dishu
Badghis
Reg
Hilmand
Garmser
Faryab
Ghor
Panjwayi
Reg
Jawzjan
Sari Pul
Uruzgan
Daman
Kandarhar
Spin Boldak
UZBEKISTAN
Ragh
Shighnan
Darqad Chah Ab
Khamyab
Shahri Buzur
Qarqin Shortepa
Yangi Qala
Fayz Abad
Khani Chahar
Kaldar
Mingajik
Imam Sahib
Fayz Abad #
Andkhoy
Mardyan Dawlat Abad
Khwaja Ghar Rustaq
Baharak
Khwaja Du Ko
Nahri Shahi
Qalay-I- ZalKunduz
Archi
Aqcha Chahar Bolak Balkh Mazar-E-Sharif
Qaramqol
Ishkashim
Fayz Abad Marmul #
Khulm
Taluqan Kalafgan
Dawlat Abad
Chimtal
Chahar Dara Bangi
Kishim
Shibirghan
Hazrati Sultan
Ali Abad
Farkhar
Chahar Kint
Chal
Baghlani Jad Ishkamish
Jurm
Sari Pul
Sholgara
Zebak
Shirin Tagab
Aybak
Burka
Darzab
Sozma Qala
Baghlan
Warsaj
Sayyad
Khuram Wa Sabagh
Khwaja SabzMaymana
Puli Khumri Nahrin
Almar
Kishindih
Khost Wa Firing
Sangcharak
Kuran Wa Munjan
Ghormach
Bilchiragh
Dara-I- Suf Dahana-I- Ghori
Bargi Matal
Qaysar
Pashtun Kot
Ruyi Du Ab Dushi
Balkhab
Andarab Hisa-I-Awali
Murghab
Khinjan
Wama Kamdesh
Kohistanat
Kohistan
Mandol
Kahmard
Tala Wa Barfak Salang Panjsher
Muqur
Nari
Ghorband Shinwari Nijrab Hisa-I-Duwum
Waygal Bar Kunar
Gulran
Ab Kamari Qadis
Jawand
Kushk
Yakawlang
Shibar
Nuristan Pech Asad Abad
Shekh Ali
Dawlat Shah
Dangam
Qalay-I- Naw
Bamyan
Alingar
Kushki Kuhna
Surkhi Parsa
Istalif Bagram
Kohi SafiTagab
Alishing
Marawara
Kohsan
Chaghcharan
Shakardara
Lal Wa Sarja
Dih SabzSurobi
Nurgal
Injil
Hisa-I- Awali Bihsud
Khas Kunar
Karukh
Jalrez
Panjab
Nirkh Paghman #
Qarghayi
Goshta
Zinda Jan
Bagrami
#
Hirat
#
Obe Chishti Shar
Markazi Bihs
Jalalabad
Muhammad Agh Hisarak Sherzad Rodat
Pashtun Zarghun
Lal Pur
Guzara
Waras
Day Mirdad
Azra
Ghoryan
Shahrak
Chaki Wardak
Dur Baba
Tulak
Day Kundi
Puli Alam Jaji
Farsi
Sayd Abad
Khushi Khogyani Dih BalaAchin
Sayid Karam Lija Mangal Dand Wa Pata
Adraskan
Shahristan
Nawur Jaghatu
Charkh
Jani Khel
Pasaband
Zana Khan
Sabari Jaji Maydan
Saghar
Bahrami Shah Ghazni Gardez
Bak
Taywara
Ajristan
Dih Yak
Shwak
Kijran
Gizab
Zurmat
Malistan
Jadran
Tere Zayi
Shindand
Qarabagh
Andar Mata Khan
Khost(Matun)
Pur Chaman
Jaghuri
Nika Ziruk Tani Gurbuz
Spera
Giro Sharan Sar Hawza
Anar Dara
Baghran Shahidi Hass
Khas Uruzgan
Chora
Urgun Gayan
MuqurAb Band Omna
Bala Buluk
Daychopan
Khaki Safed
Gulistan
Tirin Kot
Gelan Zarghun Shah
Sarobi
Eastern PARWAN Afghanistan
Dihrawud
Arghandab
Barmal
Musa Qala
Dila Gomal
Pusht Rod
Naw Zad Kajaki
Shahjoy
Qalay-I-Kah #
Nesh
Nawa
Farah Bakwa
Shib Koh
Washer
Shah Wali Ko Mizan Qalat
Ghorak
Waza Khwa
Sangin
Khakrez
KAPISA
Tarnak Wa Ja Shinkay Shamulzayi
Wor Mamay
Nahri Sarraj
Lash Wa Juwa
Arghandab
Khash Rod
Atghar
Nad Ali
Maywand Kandahar #
Arghistan
Lashkar Gah
Maruf
Naway i Barakzayi
Kang
IRAN
Zaranj
TURKMENISTAN
Shorabak
Zabul
Balkh
Bamyan
Quetta
#
Samangan
Ghazni
Kunduz
Baghlan
Paktika
Source:MCN - UNODC Afghanistan Rapid Assessment Survey 2006 (http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/crop_monitoring.html)
Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong>.
¯ Geographic
Takhar
Paktya
Badakshan
Nuristan
Parwan Kapisa
Kunar
Laghman
Kabul
Wardak
Logar Nangarhar
PAKISTAN
0 50 100
Kilometers
Projection
Datum: WGS 84
Khost
#
Khwahan
LOGAR
Darwaz
KABUL
PAKTYA
Peshwar
#
KHOST
LAGHMAN
TAJIKISTAN
NURISTAN
#
NANGARHAR
Wakhan
Legend
# Main Cities
Province Boundaries
Planting Dates
September
October
November
December
March
October/March
October/February
November/March
International Boundaries
KUNAR
#

Afghanistan: Expected opium poppy harvest time in 2006
UZBEKISTAN
TAJIKISTAN
Ghoryan
TURKMENISTAN
Kohsan
Anar Dara
Gulran
Qalay-I-Kah
Shib Koh
Lash Wa Juwa
Zinda
Jan
Adraskan
Chahar Burja
Kushk
Injil
Hirat
!
Guzara
Khaki Safed
Pusht Rod
Shindand
!
Farah
Kushki Kuhna
Karukh
Pashtun
Zarghun
Bala Buluk
Nimroz
Bakwa
Khash Rod
Qalay-I- Naw
Obe
Farsi
Badghis
Qadis
Saghar
Gulistan
Hilmand
Reg
Chishti Shar
Tulak
Pur Chaman
Washer
Nad Ali
Garmser
Almar
Qaysar
Jawand
Shahrak
Taywara
Naw Zad
Naway i Barakzayi
Ghor
Musa Qala
Dawlat Abad
Faryab
Shirin Tagab
Nahri Sarraj
Lashkar
Gah
Khwaja
Sabz
Pashtun
Kot
Khani
Chahar
Andkhoy
Kohistan
Baghran
Qaramqol
Pasaband
Sangin
Maymana
Kajaki
Maywand
Panjwayi
Reg
Darzab
Bilchiragh
Chaghcharan
Ghorak
Khwaja
Du Ko
Shibirghan
Jawzjan
Kijran
Dihrawud
Sayyad
!
Sari Pul
Kohistanat
Shahidi Hass
Khakrez
Daman
Nesh
Mingajik
Qarqin
Sari Pul
Uruzgan
Tirin Kot
Arghandab
Aqcha
Gizab
Chora
Shah Wali Ko
Kandarhar
Spin Boldak
Shorabak
Mardyan
Fayz
Abad
Sozma
Qala
Sangcharak
Lal Wa Sarja
Chimtal
Balkhab
Daychopan
Mizan
Tarnak Wa Ja
Arghistan
Shortepa
Dawlat Abad
Chahar
Bolak
Balkh
Dihdadi
Sholgara
Kishindih
Yakawlang
Zabul
Nahri Shahi Balkh
!
Mazar-E-Sharif
Bamyan
Shahristan
Waras
Qalat
Chahar Kint
Panjab
Ajristan
Maruf
Marmul
Dara-I- Suf
Samangan
Arghandab
Shahjoy
Quetta
!
Kaldar
Khulm
Kahmard
Bamyan
Hazrati Sultan
Aybak
Ruyi Du Ab
Ghazni
Shamulzayi
Khuram
Wa Sabagh
Shibar
Qalay-I- Zal
Khan
Abad
Panjsher
Tala Wa Barfak Salang
Shinwari
Jabalussaraj
Ghorband
Chaharikar
Bagram
Shekh Ali
Guldara
Wardak
Kunduz
Chahar Dara
Baghlani Jad
Dahana
-I- Ghori
Dushi
Parwan
Maydan
Shahir
Chaki Wardak
Sayd
Abad
Zana Khan
Imam Sahib
Baghlan
Puli
Khumri
Baghlan
Nirkh
Khinjan
Kabul
!
Baraki Barak
Paktya
Paktika
IRAN PAKISTAN
Source: MCN - UNODC Afghanistan Rapid Assesment Survey 2006 (http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/crop_monitoring.html)
Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong>.
¯
Geographic
Archi
Ali Abad
Burka
Nahrin
Muhammad
Agh
Logar
Bangi
Darqad
Yangi
Qala
Khwaja Ghar
Takhar
Taluqan
Chal
Ishkamish
Andarab
0 50 100
Kilometers
Kapisa
Laghman
Surobi
Jaji
Projection
Datum: WGS 84
Azra
Chah
Ab
Rustaq
Kalafgan
Farkhar
Lija Mangal
Dand
Wa Pata
Chakmani
Jaji
Jani Khel Maydan
Musa Khel
Qalandar
Nadir Shah K
Mando Zayi
Gurbuz
Tani
Shahri Buzur
Warsaj
Mandol
Kishim
Ragh
Fayz Abad
!
Badakshan
Nuristan
Kunar
!
Jalalabad
Nangarhar
Khost
Jurm
Kuran Wa Munjan
Salang Panjsher
Baharak
Ishkashim
Bargi Matal
Kamdesh
Paktya
!
Peshwar
Andarab
Hisa-I-Awali Panjsher
Eastern Afghanistan
Mandol
Nuristan
Wama
Nangarhar
Kamdesh
Nari
Waygal Bar Kunar
Kunar
Koh Band
Kohistan Nijrab
Chaharikar
Dawlat Shah
Nuristan
Asad Abad
Kapisa
Chapa
Dangam
Pech
Bagram
Alasay
Dara
Alishing Alingar
Marawara
Tagab
Narang
Laghman
Sirkanay
Chawkay
Dara-I-Nur Nurgal
Mihtarlam
Khas Kunar
Kuz Kunar
Surobi Qarghayi
Jalal
Kabul
Goshta
Abad Kama
Surkh Rod
Lal Pur
Hisarak
Chaparhar Bati Kot
Sherzad
Rodat
Muhammad
Shinwar Muhmand Dara
Agha
Khogyani
Azra
Pachir Wa Agam
Logar
Nazyan
Achin Dur Baba
Dih Bala
Jaji
Lija Mangal
Dand Wa Patan
Chamkani
Jaji Maydan
Legend
! Main Cities
Province Boundaries
International Boundaries
District Boundaries
Harvest Calendar
No Data
Early April
Late April
Early May
Late May
Early June
Late June
Early July
Late July

Afghanistan: Dry opium prices (USD)
UZBEKISTAN
TAJIKISTAN
TURKMENISTAN
Jawzjan
Mazar-E-Sharif
#
Balkh
Kunduz
Takhar
Fayz Abad
#
Badakshan
#
Hirat
Badghis
Faryab
Ghor
Sari Pul
Bamyan
Samangan
Baghlan
Nuristan
Parwan Kapisa
Kunar
Laghman
Kabul
Wardak
Logar Nangarhar
#
#
Jalalabad
Peshwar
#
Uruzgan
Ghazni
Paktya
Khost
#
Farah
Zabul
Paktika
Legend
# Main Cities
IRAN
Nimroz
Hilmand
#
Kandarhar
PAKISTAN
Province Boundaries
International Boundaries
Dry Opium Price
(USD/kg)
No data
Quetta
#
¯ Geographic
0 50 100
Kilometers
Projection
Datum: WGS 84
88 - 106
107 - 156
157 - 190
191 - 207
Source: MCN - UNODC Afghanistan Rapid Assesment Survey 2006 (http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/crop_monitoring.html)
Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong>.

Afghanistan: ORAS 2006 Sampling frame and selected villages
UZBEKISTAN
TAJIKISTAN
TURKMENISTAN
Jawzjan
Balkh
Kunduz
Takhar
Badakshan
Faryab
Sari Pul
Samangan
Baghlan
Nuristan
Hirat
Badghis
Ghor
Bamyan
Parwan
Kapisa
Kabul
Laghman
Wardak Logar
Nangarhar
Kunar
Uruzgan
Ghazni
Paktya
Khost
Farah
Zabul
Paktika
IRAN
Nimroz
Hilmand
Kandarhar
PAKISTAN
Legend
Province Boundaries
International Boundaries
2006 Village Sampling Frame
Villages
0 50 100
Kilometers
¯Geographic Projection
Datum: WGS 84
1500 m and 2500 m
2006 RAS selected villages
Source:MCN - UNODC Afghanistan Rapid Assessment Survey 2006 (http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/crop_monitoring.html)
Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong>.

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
NORTH-EASTERN ZONE
BADAKHSHAN PROVINCE
Cultivation
Interviews with village headmen indicated that cultivation levels in 2006 may increase sharply. In
2005, fear of eradication led to an increase in opium poppy cultivation in rain-fed and remote
areas. In 2006, a sharp increase is expected in both rain-fed and irrigated areas. The main opium -
growing areas in Badakhshan are the Faizabad, Jurm, Kishm and Baharak districts.
Eradication
Farmers are aware of the threat of eradication and the Government ban and are closely following
eradication activities in southern Afghanistan to assess the degree of risk that they may incur by
cultivating opium poppy.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 7 369
Type of cultivation
Irrigated and rain-fed
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Strong increase
Cultivation levels
Very high
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn/spring
Expected main harvest time End of June
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 132
The total number of villages in Badakhshan province is 1,822. The ORAS collected information in
34 villages.
TAKHAR PROVINCE
Cultivation
Respondents reported either no change or a slight increase in opium poppy cultivation in all
districts in 2006. Takhar lies on a major trafficking route to Tajikistan (via the Chah Ab, Yangi Qala,
Darqad and Rustaq districts).
18

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 1 364
Type of cultivation
Irrigated and rain-fed
Projected trends in 2005-2006 No change/slight increase
Cultivation levels
Low
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn/spring
Expected main harvest time Mid-June
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 106
The total number of villages in Takhar province is 672. The ORAS collected information in 11
villages.
19

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
EASTERN ZONE
NANGARHAR PROVINCE
Cultivation
An increase in cultivation was reported in Nangarhar province. Whilst farmers in central Nangarhar
follow the eradication campaign and observe the Government ban, farmers in remote districts
disregard the ban and are already cultivating opium poppy on a significant scale.
Eradication
No eradication was reported until the end of December 2005.
Opium Poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 1 093
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Strong increase
Cultivation levels
Moderate
Eradication reported
No
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Mid-April
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 207
The total number of villages in Nangarhar province is 972. The ORAS collected information in 27
villages.
KUNAR PROVINCE
Cultivation
Respondents reported the same level of cultivation in 2006 as in 2005. A slight increase is
expected in remote areas of the province.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 1 059
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 No change
Cultivation levels
Moderate
Eradication reported
Limited
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Mid-April
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 175
The total number of villages in Kunar province is 457. The ORAS collected information in 13
villages.
20

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
Photo : Opium poppy fields in Kunar (date: 21/12/2005)
LAGHMAN PROVINCE
Cultivation
Opium poppy cultivation in Laghman province decreased sharply in 2005 but is expected to
increase in 2006, particularly in remote districts such as Alingar and Dawlat Shah.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 274
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Increase
Cultivation levels
Moderate
Eradication reported
Limited
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Beginning of April
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 191
The total number of villages in Laghman province is 464. The ORAS collected information in 11
villages.
21

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
Cultivation
NURISTAN PROVINCE
A decrease in cultivation is expected in 2006, following a sharp increase in 2005. Nuristan is
located high in the mountains, and most planting will begin in mid-March, by which time villagers
may have opted to cultivate alternative crops. Opium poppy cultivation may match levels reported
in 2005.
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 1 554
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Decrease
Cultivation levels
Low
Eradication reported
Limited
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Beginning of April
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 190
The total number of villages in Nuristan province is 170. The ORAS collected information in eight
villages.
22

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
NORTHERN ZONE
BAGHLAN PROVINCE
Cultivation
Cultivation in Baghlan province increased considerably in 2005 (as compared to 2004), and the
same level of cultivation as in 2005 is expected in 2006. Opium poppy cultivation is reported in all
districts of Baghlan, but particularly in the Andarab and Khost Wa Firing districts. An overall
increase is expected.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 2 563
Type of cultivation
Irrigated/rain-fed
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Increase
Cultivation levels
Moderate
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn/spring
Expected main harvest time End of May to mid-June
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 106
The total number of villages in Baghlan province is 902. The ORAS collected information in 15
villages.
BALKH PROVINCE
Cultivation
In 2005, opium poppy cultivation increased sharply in Balkh province with respect to levels in 2004
(by 334 per cent). Like other provinces in northern Afghanistan, Balkh is becoming a major opium
poppy-growing province. According to ORAS results, cultivation could remain at the same high
levels or decrease slightly in 2006. Mazar-i-Sherif, Chimtal, Sholgara and Char Bolak are the main
opium poppy-growing districts in this province.
Eradication
Surveyors did not report any eradication at the time of the survey, but at the beginning of January
2005 some eradication activities were reported to the Government by local authorities in Balkh
province.
23

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 10 837
Type of cultivation
Irrigated and rain-fed
Projected trends in 2005-2006 No change/slight decrease
Cultivation levels
High
Eradication reported
Limited
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time End of April
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 100
The total number of villages in Balkh province is 772. The ORAS collected information in 14
villages.
Photo : Opium poppy in Balkh province (date: 17/12/2005)
Photo: Greenhouse construction in Balkh (date: 18/12/2005)
24

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
BAMYAN PROVINCE
Cultivation
The majority of farmers in Bamyan province prefer not to cultivate opium poppy. No increase in
opium poppy cultivation is expected in 2006.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 126
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Decrease/no change
Cultivation levels
Low
Eradication reported
Limited
Planting time
Spring
Expected main harvest time Late July
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 100
The total number of villages in Bamyan province is 1,543. The ORAS collected information in 12
villages.
FARYAB PROVINCE
Cultivation
Following a reported decrease in 2005, opium poppy cultivation is expected to increase in 2006.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 2 665
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Increase
Cultivation levels
Moderate
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Mid-May
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 101
The total number of villages in Faryab province is 635. The ORAS collected information in 11
villages.
25

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
Cultivation
KUNDUZ PROVINCE
Kunduz province is neither a major nor a traditional opium poppy-growing region. In 2005, only 275
hectares of opium poppy were reported. The same level of cultivation is expected in 2006.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 275
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 No change
Cultivation levels
Very low
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Mid-May
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg)
N/A
The total number of villages in Kunduz province is 377. The ORAS collected information in six
villages.
JAWZJAN PROVINCE
Cultivation
Jawzjan province was not a significant opium poppy-growing area until 2002. Since 2002,
however, opium poppy cultivation has increased sharply. In 2006, a further increase is expected.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 1 748
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Increase
Cultivation levels
Moderate
Eradication reported
Limited
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Late May
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 156
The total number of villages in Jawzjan province is 256. The ORAS collected information in nine
villages.
26

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
SAMANGAN PROVINCE
Cultivation
Key respondents reported that they were expecting a decrease in opium poppy cultivation in 2006.
Since planting takes place mainly during March, farmers may yet decide to cultivate opium poppy,
depending on the success of eradication in the southern provinces or in provinces at low
elevations, such as Balkh.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 3 874
Type of cultivation
Irrigated and rain-fed
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Decrease
Cultivation levels
Low
Eradication reported
Limited
Planting time
Spring
Expected main harvest time End of July
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 96
The total number of villages in Samangan province is 495. The ORAS collected information in eight
villages.
SARI PUL PROVINCE
Cultivation
Opium poppy cultivation is expected to decrease in Sari Pul province in 2006. Since, depending on
weather conditions, some farmers prefer to plant opium poppy in March, the situation may still
change after that time.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 3 227
Type of cultivation
Irrigated and rain-fed
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Decrease
Cultivation levels
Low
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Spring
Expected main harvest time Late June
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 99
The total number of villages in Sari Pul province is 558. The ORAS collected information in 12
villages.
27

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
CENTRAL ZONE
GHAZNI PROVINCE
Cultivation
Opium poppy cultivation has always been negligible in Ghazni province, and that trend is expected
to continue in 2006.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 9
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Decrease/no change
Cultivation levels
Negligible
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Spring
Expected main harvest time Late July
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg)
N/A
The total number of villages in Ghazni province is 2,645. The ORAS collected information in 15
villages.
KHOST PROVINCE
Cultivation
In 2005, opium poppy cultivation was negligible. In 2006, however, an increase is expected.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) Negligible
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Increase
Cultivation levels
Very low
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Spring
Expected main harvest time Late May
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 169
The total number of villages in Khost province is 519. The ORAS collected information in 10
villages.
28

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
LOGAR PROVINCE
Cultivation
The vast majority of villagers in Logar province do not cultivate opium poppy. The same situation is
expected in 2006.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares)
Type of cultivation
Projected trends in 2005-2006
Cultivation levels
Eradication reported
Planting time
Expected main harvest time
Security situation
Dry opium price (US$/kg)
Negligible
Irrigated/rain-fed
No change
Negligible
Limited
Spring/autumn
May/June
Good
N/A
The total number of villages in Logar province is 394. The ORAS collected information in six
villages.
PAKTIKA PROVINCE
Cultivation
Opium poppy cultivation in Paktika province has always been negligible, and the same trend is
expected in 2006.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares)
Type of cultivation
Projected trends in 2005-2006
Cultivation levels
Eradication reported
Planting time
Expected main harvest time
Security situation
Dry opium price (US$/kg)
Negligible
Irrigated/rain-fed
No change
Very low
None
Spring
June
Good
N/A
The total number of villages in Paktika province is 553. The ORAS collected information in 12
villages.
29

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
Cultivation
PAKTYA PROVINCE
Opium poppy cultivation in Paktya province has always been negligible, and the same trend is
expected in 2006.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares)
Type of cultivation
Projected trends in 2005-2006
Cultivation levels
Eradication reported
Planting time
Expected main harvest time
Security situation
Dry opium price (US$/kg)
Negligible
Irrigated/rain-fed
No change
Very low
None
Spring
June
Good
N/A
The total number of villages in Paktya province is 707. The ORAS collected information in 12
villages.
PARWAN PROVINCE
Cultivation
Opium poppy cultivation was reported for the first time in the province in 2004, and was estimated
at 1,310 ha. Cultivation returned to a negligible level in 2005 as a result of the Government ban.
The same level is expected in 2006. No opium poppy cultivation was observed in the villages
visited.
Eradication
There were no reports of eradication.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) Negligible
Type of cultivation
Irrigated/rain-fed
Projected trends in 2005-2006 No change
Cultivation levels
Negligible
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Spring
Expected main harvest time Late June
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 200
The total number of villages in Parwan province is 980. The ORAS collected information in 16
villages.
30

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
KAPISA PROVINCE
Cultivation
Kapisa is not a major opium poppy-growing province, and cultivation decreased to 115 ha in 2005.
Cultivation is expected to increase in 2006.
Eradication
There were no reports of eradication.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 115
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Increase
Cultivation levels
Very low
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn/spring
Expected main harvest time Late May/early July
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 191
The total number of villages in Kapisa province is 307. The ORAS collected information in eight
villages.
WARDAK PROVINCE
Cultivation
Trends in opium poppy cultivation are not expected to change in 2006.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares)
Type of cultivation
Projected trends in 2005-2006
Cultivation levels
Eradication reported
Planting time
Expected main harvest time
Security situation
Dry opium price (US$/kg)
Negligible
Irrigated
No change
Very low
None
Autumn/spring
Late May/early July
Good
N/A
The total number of villages in Wardak province is 1347. The ORAS collected information in 14
villages.
31

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
SOUTHERN ZONE
KANDAHAR PROVINCE
Cultivation
Following a sharp increase in 2005, no change in cultivation levels is expected in 2006. Following
the announcement by the Governor of Kandahar in December 2005 of an eradication campaign, a
decrease is expected in the central districts of the province, whilst in remote areas an increase is
expected.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 12 990
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 No change
Cultivation levels
High
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Beginning of May
Security situation
Poor
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 140
The total number of villages in Kandahar province is 1,854. The ORAS collected information in 29
villages.
Photo: Opium poppy field in Kandahar (date: 02/02/2006)
32

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
HELMAND PROVINCE
Cultivation
An increase in cultivation is expected in all districts of Helmand in 2006. Helmand province has the
highest levels of opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, and in 2005 a total of 26,500 ha in the
province were under opium poppy cultivation. In remote parts of the province, some groups, such
as drug smugglers, are encouraging villagers to cultivate opium poppy. Helmand is also the most
significant province in terms of heroin processing and trafficking.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 26 500
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Strong increase
Cultivation levels
High
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Beginning of May
Security situation
Poor, particularly in northern Helmand
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 141
The total number of villages in Helmand province is 1,126. The ORAS collected information in 20
villages.
Photo: Opium poppy field in Helmand (date: 24/01/2006)
Photo: Wheat field in Helmand (date: 24/01/2006)
33

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
URUZGAN PROVINCE
Cultivation
Uruzgan is one of the major and traditional opium poppy-growing provinces of Afghanistan. In
2005, a sharp decrease in cultivation was reported, but in 2006 most villagers have decided to
grow opium poppy. A large increase is therefore expected.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 4 605
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Strong increase
Cultivation levels
High
Eradication reported
Limited
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Mid-May
Security situation
Poor in northern Uruzgan; good in southern Uruzgan
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 135
The total number of villages in Uruzgan province is 2,492. The ORAS collected information in 34
villages.
34

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
ZABUL PROVINCE
Cultivation
Respondents predict a strong increase in cultivation in Zabul province in 2006. Zabul province is
one of the poorest regions of Afghanistan, and a high level of migration from the province to other
areas of Afghanistan is reported.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 2 053
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Strong increase
Cultivation levels
Moderate
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Mid-May
Security situation
Very poor
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 146
The total number of villages in Zabul province is 1427. The ORAS collected information in 19
villages.
35

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
WESTERN ZONE
HERAT PROVINCE
Cultivation
Until 2003, Herat was not a major opium poppy-growing province. However, cultivation began after
2003, reaching 2,531 ha in 2004. Respondents expect cultivation to increase slightly in 2006,
particularly in the Shindad district.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 1 924
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Increase
Cultivation levels
Low
Eradication reported
Limited
Planting time
Autumn/spring
Expected main harvest time Late May/late June
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 156
The total number of villages in Herat province is 1,435. The ORAS collected information in 22
villages.
FARAH PROVINCE
Cultivation
In 2005, cultivation increased by 348 per cent to 10,240 ha compared to 2004. Respondents
expected that cultivation levels would remain the same in 2006. Opium poppy cultivation was
reported in most districts during the survey.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 10 240
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 No change
Cultivation levels
High
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Early May
Security situation
Poor
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 177
The total number of villages in Farah province is 820. The ORAS collected information in 14
villages.
36

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
NIMROZ PROVINCE
Cultivation
The year 2005 marked a record increase in cultivation from 115 ha to 1,690 ha (1,370 per cent).
The same level of cultivation is expected in 2006. Nimroz lies at the country’s borders with Iran and
Pakistan, and is therefore one of the major trafficking provinces for the export of Afghan opium.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 1 690
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 No change
Cultivation levels
Moderate
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Autumn
Expected main harvest time Mid-April
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 205
The total number of villages in Nimroz province is 427. The ORAS collected information in nine
villages.
GHOR PROVINCE
Cultivation
Owing to difficult terrain and harsh conditions, agriculture in Ghor province is limited to very narrow
valleys. However, cultivation is expected to increase in 2006. Ghor is one of the main opiumtrafficking
provinces.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 2 689
Type of cultivation
Irrigated
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Increase
Cultivation levels
Moderate
Eradication reported
None
Planting time
Spring
Expected main harvest time Late June
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 155
The total number of villages in Ghor province is 1,713. The ORAS collected information in 20
villages.
37

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February, 2006
Cultivation
BADGHIS PROVINCE
Until 2004, opium poppy cultivation was very limited in Badghis province. In 2005, however, it
increased by 383 per cent to 2,967 ha. Key respondents predicted a further increase throughout
the province in 2006.
Opium poppy cultivation details:
Cultivation in 2005 (hectares) 2 967
Type of cultivation
Irrigated/rain-fed
Projected trends in 2005-2006 Increase
Cultivation levels
Moderate
Eradication reported
Very limited
Planting time
Spring
Expected main harvest time Mid-June
Security situation
Good
Dry opium price (US$/kg) 99
The total number of villages in Badghis province is 639. The ORAS collected information in 12
villages.
38

Afghanistan Opium Rapid Assessment Survey, February 2006
ANNEX 1
Cultivation levels in 2004 and 2005 and expected trends in 2006
Change in
2004-2005
(ha)
Change in
2004-2005
as
percentage
Cultivation trends in
2006 as compared
to 2005
PROVINCE 2004 2005
Badakhshan 15,607 7,370 -8237 -53% Strong Increase
Badghis 614 2,967 2353 383% Increase
Baghlan 2,444 2,563 119 5% No Change
Balkh 2,495 10,837 8342 334% No Change
Bamyan 803 126 -677 -84% No Change
Farah 2,288 10,240 7952 348% No Change
Faryab 3,249 2,665 -584 -18% Increase
Ghazni 62 - -62 -100% No Change
Ghor 4,983 2,689 -2294 -46% Strong Increase
Helmand 29,353 26,500 -2853 -10% Strong Increase
Herat 2,531 1,924 -607 -24% Increase
Jawzjan 1,673 1,748 75 4% Increase
Kabul 282 - -282 -100% No Change
Kandahar 4,959 12,989 8030 162% No Change
Kapisa 522 115 -407 -78% Increase
Khost 838 - -838 -100% Increase
Kunar 4,366 1,059 -3307 -76% No Change
Kunduz 224 275 51 23% No Change
Laghman 2,756 274 -2482 -90% Strong Increase
Logar 24 - -24 -100% No Change
Nangarhar 28,840 1,093 -27747 -96% Strong Increase
Nimroz 115 1,690 1575 1370% No Change
Nuristan 764 1,554 790 103% Decrease
Paktika - - 0 0% No Change
Paktya 1,200 - -1200 -100% No Change
Parwan 1,310 - -1310 -100% No Change
Samangan 1,151 3,874 2723 237% Decrease
Sari Pul 1,974 3,227 1253 63% Decrease
Takhar 762 1,364 602 79% No Change
Uruzgan 11,080 4,605 -6475 -58% Strong Increase
Wardak 1,017 106 -911 -90% No Change
Zabul 2,977 2,053 -924 -31% Strong Increase
Total 131,263 103,907 -27356 -21% Overall Increase
39