opium poppy field

Lao authorities say some former opium farmers have returned to their old occupation, partly due to the fact that the government has not been able to help them out of poverty because the integrated rural development projects have not reached their areas.

The Lao National Drug Control and Suppression Commission says it

Farmer cuts poppy bulps to extract raw opium

has recently destroyed over 80 hectares of poppy fields in the province of Luang Namtha. The fields were cultivated by farmers who went back to their former profession because of lack of alternatives.

Lao officials say the comprehensive integrated rural development projects which are meant to

opium

help farmers out of poverty do not reach all the intended rural areas because of budget shortage. They say foreign donors have cut down their aid since Laos announced that it was opium free.

Listen to our Laos Today report for details in Lao.