Nothing is going to change in Afghanistan until the farmers are given an alternative to growing poppies. Thats no easy task. Poppies require little or no fertilizer and even less care. They practically grow wild.

In addition, its a traditional crop with specific processing methods that has been the main livelihood for generations.

In other words, what will the people do for an income if not grow poppies. This is the real challenge. Given an alternative way to feed their families, the warlords would not be so popular. As it is, the warlords are perceived as protecting their way of life.