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Colombia Implements Program Paying Farmers to Uproot Coca Plants

Published 3 weeks ago3 minute read
Colombia Implements Program Paying Farmers to Uproot Coca Plants

Colombia, grappling with unprecedented levels of cocaine production, is implementing a novel strategy to address its pervasive narcotics issue. The government has initiated a program that offers financial incentives to farmers for uprooting coca crops, the primary ingredient in cocaine, and transitioning to alternative agricultural products.

This initiative, part of a $14.4 million project, targets the eradication of coca cultivation across 45,000 hectares in three of Colombia's most conflict-affected regions, including the Micay Canyon in the Argelia municipality. The primary aim is to curtail the supply of coca, which fuels violence and environmental degradation as armed groups compel rural communities to grow the illicit crop and clear forests for its cultivation.

Among the approximately 4,000 families participating are Alirio Caicedo and his son Nicolas. Having previously relied on coca for their livelihood, earning around $800 per month, they are now embracing coffee cultivation, receiving an initial government payment of about $300. This transition, however, is fraught with uncertainty regarding the viability of their new crops and the potential for retribution from criminal organizations whose revenue streams depend on the cocaine trade.

Nicolas Caicedo expressed the inherent risk, noting that while coca provided a guaranteed income, uprooting it means an end to that consistent revenue stream. This sentiment is echoed by other farmers, some of whom doubt the program's feasibility in areas like Argelia, where the presence and power of illegal armed groups often overshadow state authority. One farmer anonymously stated that armed groups dependent on coca are unlikely to permit a switch to alternative crops.

The crop substitution program is a cornerstone of President Gustavo Petro's policy, who, since taking office in 2022, has sought to steer Colombia away from the traditional, US-led "war on drugs." This approach is intended to alleviate the suffering of rural Colombians often caught between criminal enterprises and state intervention. However, despite these efforts, cocaine production in Colombia, the world's leading exporter, has surged to record highs, driven by persistent demand in Europe and the United States.

Past attempts at crop substitution in Colombia have faltered due to interference from armed factions and the eventual cessation of government support. Gloria Miranda, head of Colombia's current illegal crop substitution program, acknowledges the limitations, stating that drug trafficking is unlikely to cease as long as a significant global market exists and the substance remains illegal.

President Petro's broader strategy for "total peace," involving negotiations with various armed groups, has seen limited success, with many talks collapsing. Concurrently, his administration has reduced forced coca eradication efforts. This situation is complicated by potential international pressure, particularly with the new Trump administration in the United States reviewing Colombia's certification as an ally in combating drugs, which could jeopardize millions in military aid.

Observers and officials also voice concerns about the potential for misuse of the program. Argelia's government secretary, Pablo Daza, highlighted the risk of farmers taking government funds while surreptitiously continuing coca cultivation. Emilio Archila, who managed a similar unsuccessful project under a previous administration, warned that without robust monitoring, public funds could be wasted. In response, Miranda has assured that "meticulous" satellite monitoring will be employed, with non-compliant participants being removed from the program.

Beyond its use in cocaine production, the coca leaf holds traditional significance in Andean cultures, where it is chewed as a stimulant or brewed into tea. Colombia has advocated for the leaf's removal from the UN list of harmful narcotics to allow for its commercialization in alternative products like fertilizers or beverages, but these appeals have not yet been successful.

From Zeal News Studio(Terms and Conditions)

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