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The article reports on the domestic economy of Afghanistan. According to the article, opium eradication efforts have been launched in Afghanistan. British North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces are preparing to support an eradication effort along with Afghan police who are targeting poppy crops in Helmand. It adds that another ongoing problem for Afghanistan's agricultural sector will be the continuing presence of avian influenza.

The new production line is equipped with the latest advanced manufacturing system to produce quality products of Alkaloids & APIs used in a wide range of pharmaceutical applications [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In terms of Regulation 30 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, Bajaj Healthcare has informed that it attached business updates for 'award of two tenders for manufacture of Concentrated Poppy Straw (CPS) and Alkaloids/ Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from unlanced poppy capsules along with straw through CPS-Reg and Opium Gum from the Chief Controller, Govt Opium & Alkaloid Factories, Government of India'. The above information is a part of company's filings submitted to BSE. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the domestic economy of Afghanistan. It predicts a decline in consumer price inflation for 2009-2010. Opium cultivation in the country have decreased by 22% in 2009 due to more aggressive counter-narcotics offensives by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces in the International Security Assistance Force and the Afghan national authorities, and the creation of food zones to promote legal crops, according to the United Nations Office for Drugs and Organised Crime.

The article presents an outlook on the economic sector of Afghanistan for 2010-2011. According to the International Monetary Fund estimates, domestic revenue collection has continued to decline in 2008-2009. Amidst a reported downfall on agricultural growth in 2008-2009, it predicts that a strong construction investment and a good weather will improve the economy by 2009-2010. Opium production fell in 2009 due to more aggressive counter-narcotics offensives.

The article presents the report on topic regarding the U.S. Policy and its narcotics in Afghanistan released by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) as of April 21, 2009. Topics discussed include the drug trafficking and Opium poppy cultivation, which have eroded Afghanistan's fragile political order over last 30 years, Afghanistan being the source of world's 90 percent illicit opium, and current production statistics in Afghanistan's opium economy.

Opium poppy cultivation and drug trafficking have become significant negative factors in Afghanistan's fragile political and economic order over the last 25 years. In 2006, poppy cultivation and opium production reached record highs, in spite of ongoing efforts by the Afghan government, the United States, and their international partners to combat poppy cultivation and drug trafficking. Afghanistan is now the source of 92% of the world's illicit opium. U.N. officials estimate that in-country illicit revenue from the 2006 opium poppy crop will be over $3 billion, sustaining fears that Afghanistan's economic recovery continues to be underwritten by drug profits and that large sums are reaching criminals, corrupt officials, and extremists. Across Afghanistan, regional militia commanders, criminal organizations, and corrupt government officials have exploited opium production and drug trafficking as reliable sources of revenue and patronage, which has perpetuated the threat these groups pose to the country's fragile internal security and the legitimacy of its embryonic democratic government. The trafficking of Afghan drugs also appears to provide financial and logistical support to a range of extremist groups that continue to operate in and around Afghanistan, including the resurgent remnants of the Taliban and some Al Qaeda operatives. Although coalition forces may be less frequently relying on figures involved with narcotics for intelligence and security support, many observers have warned that drug-related corruption among appointed and elected Afghan officials may create new political obstacles to further progress. The Bush Administration warned in September 2006 that "failure to act decisively now" against narcotics and related corruption and security challenges "could undermine security, compromise democratic legitimacy, and imperil international support for vital assistance" in Afghanistan. Afghan president Hamid Karzai has identified the opium economy as "the single greatest challenge to the long- term security, development, and effective governance of Afghanistan." Afghan, U.S., and coalition efforts to provide viable economic alternatives to poppy cultivation and to disrupt corruption and narco-terrorist linkages succeeded in reducing or eliminating opium poppy cultivation in some areas of the country during the 2004-2005 season. However, escalating violence in Afghanistan's southern provinces, particularly in Helmand, and widespread corruption fueled a surge in cultivation over the last year, pushing opium output to an all-time high of 6100 metric tons. In response, Members may be asked to consider options for strengthening counternarcotics efforts during the first session of the 110th Congress. In addition to describing the structure and development of the Afghan narcotics trade, this report provides current statistical information, profiles the trade's various participants, explores alleged narco-terrorist linkages, and reviews U.S. and international policy responses since late 2001. The report also considers current policy debates regarding the role of the U.S. military in counternarcotics operations, opium poppy eradication, alternative livelihood development, and funding issues for Congress. The report will be updated to reflect major developments. For more information on Afghanistan, see CRS Report RL30588, Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy, by Kenneth Katzman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A report on the international drug trade and foreign policy in the U.S. in the 21st century is presented. It states that the flow reduction of illicit drugs in the country from abroad has not so far succeeded with rising global production including opium, marijuana and coca. It notes that international narcotics control programs in consumption reduction still a matter of ongoing concern. It discusses the links between drugs and terror groups as high national priority was given to terrorism.

Opium poppy cultivation and drug trafficking have become significant factors in Afghanistan's fragile political and economic order over the last 25 years. In 2004, Afghanistan was the source of 87% of the world's illicit opium and heroin, in spite of ongoing efforts by the Afghan government, the United States, and their international partners to combat poppy cultivation and drug trafficking. U.N. officials estimate that in-country illicit profits from the record 2004 poppy crop were equivalent in value to 60% of the country's legitimate GDP, raising fears that Afghanistan's economic recovery is being underwritten increasingly by drug profits. Across Afghanistan, regional militia commanders, criminal organizations, and corrupt government officials have exploited opium production and trafficking as reliable sources of revenue and patronage, which has perpetuated the threat these groups pose to the country's fragile internal security and the legitimacy of its embryonic democratic government. The trafficking of Afghan drugs also appears to provide financial and logistical support to a range of extremist groups that continue to operate in and around Afghanistan, including remnants of the Taliban regime and some Al Qaeda operatives. The issue is further complicated by an aspect of coalition forces' ongoing pursuit of security and counterterrorism objectives: frequent reliance for intelligence and security support on figures who may be involved in the production or trafficking of narcotics. The failure of U.S. and international counternarcotics efforts to significantly disrupt the Afghan opium trade or sever its links to warlordism and corruption since the fall of the Taliban has led some observers to warn that without redoubled multilateral action, Afghanistan may succumb to a state of lawlessness and reemerge as a sanctuary for terrorists. Afghan president Hamid Karzai has identified counternarcotics as the top priority for his administration and has stated his belief that "the fight against drugs is the fight for Afghanistan." U.S. and Afghan officials are beginning to implement a new strategy designed to provide viable economic alternatives to poppy cultivation and to disrupt the corruption and narco-terrorist linkages that threaten Afghanistan's security and the success of recent counterterrorism and reconstruction efforts. Preliminary field surveys and official statements indicate that these new counternarcotics initiatives may have contributed to a decrease in opium poppy cultivation in the current 2004-2005 growing season. This report describes the structure and development of the narcotics trade in Afghanistan and explores its relevance to Afghan, U.S., and international security interests. The report provides current statistical information on the opium trade, profiles its various participants, explores alleged narco-terrorist linkages, and reviews the U.S. and international policy response since late 2001. The report also considers current policy debates regarding the role of the U.S. military in counternarcotics operations, opium poppy eradication, alternative livelihood development, funding issues for Congress, and pending legislation including S. 1042 and H.R. 1437. The report will be updated periodically. For more information on Afghanistan, see CRS Report RL30588, Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy and CRS Report RS21922, Afghanistan: Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article talks about activities within Afghanistan's domestic economy. According to a United Nations (UN) report released on April 18, 2011, poppy production is set to expand in Northern Afghanistan. Massive increases in the price for dry opium which has shot up to 300% to reach 281 US dollars a kilogram was the reason for the opium expansion in the area. Plans to invest 50 million US dollars in Afghanistan as a partner of US-based softdrinks company PepsiCo has been announced by Dubai-based diversified conglomerate, the Alokozay Group.

The article examines the domestic economy of Afghanistan as of April 2010. There was a 6% decline in the core inflation or non-food inflation of the country in the period January-March 2010. According to the United Nations (UN) Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the production of opium remains high and the area under cultivation will continue throughout 2010.

Opium production is set to fall this year from its 2004 record level. The US has earmarked US$780m for anti-drug programmes in Afghanistan. Power provision in the capital, Kabul, has improved noticeably. The US World Council of Credit Unions has opened a branch in Mazar-i-Sharif offering loans to small businesses on favourable terms. Afghanistan has secured a US$80m loan from the Asian Development Bank to rebuild a road in the north-west. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the political outlook in Afghanistan for 2005-2006. Information on Afghan President Hamid Karzai's cabinet officers; Status of the Taliban; Concern of Afghan ministers on eradication of opium production.

Presents the economic outlook for Afghanistan for 2004 to 2005. Appointment of the deputy finance minister as head of a campaign aiming to boost income from domestic taxation; Introduction of new taxes; Forecast for Afghan economic growth; Impact of the opium sector on the economy.

Provides information on agriculture in Afghanistan as of November 2003. Projected volume of cereal crop to be harvested in 2003; Concern expressed by the Council of Europe about the resurgence in opium production in Afghanistan; Agreement signed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to provide a counter-narcotics directorate within the Ministry of the Interior.

The economy has grown strongly, and female entrepreneurs have received a boost. A bumper harvest has been forecast for 2003, while a locust plague has been tackled successfully. Means of tackling opium production have been discussed amid UN warnings that Afghanistan risks becoming a narco-state. Afghan television has claimed that a British oil company plans to carry out a survey of Afghan gas- and oilfields. Completion dates for several road projects have been announced, and a railway has been mooted. A water chlorination programme has been approved. The UN has estimated that landmine clearance could be completed within a decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an outlook on the political and economic sectors of Afghanistan for 2010-2011. Security concerns for 2010-2011 involve allegations of electoral fraud and its volatile relations with Pakistan and Iran. It predicts that Afghanistan will remain the world's biggest producer of opium despite a reported reduction in the illegal output of the drug in 2009. A growth in agriculture and construction investment is foreseen in 2009-2010. The International Monetary Fund was disappointed over efforts to raise government revenue.

An appendix is presented that shows information on opium trends in Afghanistan from 2005 to 2013.