Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has increased significantly despite a Taliban ban
Afghanistan's opium poppy cultivation expanded sharply in 2026, with production rising to 1,500 tonnes and cultivation spreading to 16 of its 34 provinces.
- Afghanistan's opium poppy cultivation increased by 325% in 2026.
- Opium production was completely banned in 2022 after the Taliban took power.
- The UNODC report indicates a 330 percent increase in cultivation.
- UNODC Director Monica Juma stated that reducing illegal opium cultivation is difficult when impoverished farmers lack sustenance options.
- The Taliban authorities claim they destroyed over 22 thousand hectares of poppy.
- The total income of middlemen reached an estimated 525 million US dollars in the reporting year.
- Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Chan Muttaki said drug production containment must happen with neighboring countries.
- Afghan opium was the main raw material for heroin consumed in the EU in 2024.
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