In 2002 and 2004 the US had successful projects in central Helmand using primarily hand labor and in conjunction with local government reduce poppy cultivation by 85% in one crop year. The work focused on rehabilitation of the biggest irrigation system in the country and put thousands of men to work. After that there was an inconsistent program with off and on funding and no support for one of their traditional cash crops cotton for which there is a functioning cotton gin built by the British in the mid-60s. The international community has failed the farmers through inconsistent action and misdirection. The farmers in central Helmand have consistently asked for help with the marketing of their known cash crops, not opium, and labor intensive projects to rehabilitate their irrigation system damaged by 20+ years of war and lack of maintenance. The answer to opium production was simple but no one listened and now it is a bit late. These farmers consider opium evil.

Dick Scott, Drake, Colorado/USA