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The U.N. attributes it to the U.S. and NATO troop surge into poppy-growing areas, plus, agricultural development programs.
San Rafael-based /*Roots of Peace*/ is working in 23 of 34 provinces.
"it's also helping them grow high value crops. So, for instance, if a farmer grows wheat and opium, they'll make about $800 a year. If they grow Roots of Peace crops, with the intervention and education, as provided by UC Davis and other partners working with roots of peace, they'll make $8000 a year," said Heidi Kuhn from Roots of Peace.
The Embassy of Afghanistan's political counselor said: "We welcome the important role Roots of Peace and other international aid organizations have played in helping the government of Afghanistan provide alternative development assistance to poor Afghan farmers."
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