DATES: April 2002 - December 2006

 

This was originally a one year activity designed to purchase the 2001 cotton crop from farmers in four districts of Helmand province in return for their pledge to plant cotton instead of poppy.  Farmers were introduced to improved cotton seed variety, better farm technology and more efficient processing of cotton gin.  The program was amended to include the introduction of other alternative crops to poppy production and expanded to Kandahar, Zabul and Uruzgan provinces.  CADG activities are focused on increasing the value added of horticulture crops through:  1) introduction of improved technology (e.g., drip irrigation and greenhouse) and better farm practices; 2) domestic and international marketing and promotion of Afghan produce; and 3) development of viable agriculture extension network.