Afghanistan

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — International Development – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 11 February 2009.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Robert Goodwill Robert Goodwill Shadow Minister (Transport) 11:30, 11 February 2009

When I was in Helmand province last year, I was surprised to learn that the reason farmers grew poppy rather than other crops such as wheat was Taliban intimidation, rather than profitability—it is more profitable to grow wheat, particularly if free seed and input is provided. Will the Minister assure the House that there will be sufficient supplies of seed and input for farmers so that they can feel sufficiently secure to turn to more conventional crops?