Fewer Poppies in Golden Triangle

Here's some good news. In 1998, the Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia produced 33 percent of the world's opium. Today, production is estimated at no more than five percent.

From New Straits Times:

KUALA LUMPUR: Poppy cultivation in the Golden Triangle fell by 29 per cent last year, according to a United Nations report.

The reason, a UN substitute crops programme successfully implemented by the governments of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

Opium farmers, often located in poor and remote areas, grew it out of necessity to support their families, aided by the fact that it is a hardy plant and has a long life after harvesting.

All these factors were identified by authorities intent on eradicating poppy fields in the Golden Triangle.

The substitute crops introduced included asparagus, coffee and oil palm.

The results of the substitute crop program indicate some success, however, factoring in increased production of opium in other locations would tend to sway the percentages. True success has to be measured by decreased global cultivation of poppies.