Uruzgan Farmers Embrace Heng Cultivation After Poppy Ban

Following the ban on poppy cultivation, farmers in Uruzgan have turned to growing the heng plant.

Some farmers in this province say that with support in training and marketing, heng cultivation could be further promoted.

Sayed Wali, a farmer from Tirinkot, the center of Uruzgan, has planted heng for the first time on 4 acres of land, replacing poppies.

He says he is not familiar with the heng plant or its cultivation but hopes for an increase in his yield.

Sayed Wali said: “There are no poppies now, so I’ve planted heng on my land, and I’m optimistic about its yield. From what people have told me, it’s a very beneficial plant.”

Meanwhile, some other farmers say they cannot afford heng seeds and urge authorities to assist them in cultivating this crop.

Mohammad Shafiq, a farmer, stated: “If the government or organizations help us with heng cultivation or other crops, it would be very beneficial.”

Isa Mohammad, a farmer, said: “It’s our government, and it should help us with cultivation.”

Local officials say that programs to teach farmers heng cultivation have already started.

Qudratullah Hamidi, Director of Extension at Uruzgan’s Department of Agriculture and Irrigation, said: “We have sought assistance from international donors to help Uruzgan farmers and have presented them with projects to provide necessary tools to farmers free of charge.”

According to local officials, for the first time this solar year, heng has been cultivated on more than 100 acres of land in the province.