Afghan Officials Hope Tea Farms Will Replace Poppy Fields

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

April 12, 2009

KUNAR (RFE/RL) -- Farmers in Afghanistan's Kunar Province planted thousands of tea plants on April 10, with the local authorities' hope that the crop might gradually replace poppy production, Radio Free Afghanistan reports.

Officials in the eastern province, which used to be known as a tea-producing region, told Radio Free Afghanistan that the plants were imported from Pakistan and China.

Local officials say they are hopeful that tea farming will regain its roots in the region and spread around the country.

Tea is very popular in Afghanistan and the surrounding region.