Opium plantation resurrects in Houaphanh

VIENTIANE,MAR 03.(KPL) -Houaphanh authorities have found that some groups of local people are returning to opium plantation, according to the provincial governor.
Mr. Khamhoung Heuangvongsy said that 285 ha were used for opium plantation, which increased by 214 % over 2010. Samtay district is said to have 180 ha planted with opium.
To resolve the problem, the provincial authorities have worked together with relevant bodies in this northeastern province to inspect opium plantation, and educate opium growers to be aware of the consequences of opium plantation and involve them in the eradication of opium plantation.
Although the authorities pay attention to solving the problem, they are faced with budgetary shortage. Traditionally, opium was used in curing disease by local people.
Houaphanh plans to resolve opium plantation by focusing on poverty reduction of the local people through developing basic infrastructure like roads, schools, dispensaries, safe water facilities and opium rehabilitation centre.
In addition, land allocation and the end to slash-and-burn cultivation are among efforts by the province in tackling the problem for 2011-2012 period.
4,000 drug addicts including 2,800 opium users have been identified in the province.