Eliminating Opium in Laos: Policies and Impact of Village Economics

The Lao Sate has almost eradicated opium production. The country evolved from the blamed status of third world's biggest producer to those of model-to-follow. This progress comes within the history of the Golden Triangle & within the geopolitical context of the drug market. Promoters back up the of quick opium elimination as contributing to development: while eliminating the major root of poverty that opium would be, the farmers would be alleviated from a social & sanitary burden. However, an economic survey in northern Laos invalidates such a hypothesis. If a hasty elimination of opium leads to marginalize producers, it is probable that the cultivation resumes soon. Figures, References. Adapted from the source document.