Oil bearing rose (Rosa damascena) Production in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan: A Sustainable Alternative to Opium poppy Cultivation

• Published in: Journal of Oasis Agriculture and Sustainable Development
• Main Authors: Abdulsaboor Dawlatzai, Ryan Qasimullah
• Format: Article
• Language: Arabic
• Published: Arid regions institute 2024-04-01
• Subjects: Opium Reduction Strategies; Rosa damascena; Agricultural Sustainability; Socio-economic Development
• Online Access: https://www.joasdjournal.org/index.php/joasd/article/view/180
• ISSN: 2724-699X; 2724-7007

Afghanistan, particularly Nangarhar Province, has grappled with the complicate nature of opium poppy cultivation, influenced by an intricate combination of historical, socio-economic, and geopolitical factors. Opium, serving as the main source of income for many farmers in some provinces of Afghanistan, lies at the core of the country's challenges in state building, governance, security, and development. This study explores a compelling alternative, the cultivation of oil-bearing rose, specifically Rosa damascena, as a sustainable and ethical substitute to opium poppy. The analysis of various crop types reveals significant profit variations. In terms of net profits, oil-bearing rose claim the top position, followed by poppy, potatoes, onions, and wheat. When considering the benefit-cost ratio, oil-bearing roses lead at 4.54, followed by onions at 3.34, poppy at 3.13, potatoes at 2.88, and wheat at 2.89. Through a meticulous cost and profitability analysis, this study demonstrates that oil rose cultivation offers not only a financially viable option, but also outperforms opium poppy in net profitability. This paper with recommendations collectively pave the way for a transition towards a brighter, more prosperous, and sustainable future for Nangarhar Province, by addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with opium poppy farming while fostering an environment of positive change and development.