CANADA FUNDS WHEAT SEED AS AFGHAN POPPY ALTERNATIVE

(CNS) - Canada is providing $1.2 million to buy wheat seeds and
fertilizer for thousands of Afghan farmers, but the Taliban warn they
may attack any foreigners who attempt to distribute the seeds.

The money will pay for 293 tonnes of wheat seed, to supply more than
5,000 farmers with 50 kilograms each, and plant a total of 2,000
hectares of land.

"We look forward to working with the governor of Kandahar to sow
these seeds of peace," said Elissa Golberg, head of Canadian
development operations in Kandahar province.

The project is intended to raise farm yields and give growers an
alternative to the lucrative poppy trade, said Kandahar Gov.
Rahmatullah Raoufi.

Farmers have good reasons to switch from growing poppies to growing
wheat, said Abdul Hai Niamati, director of agriculture for Kandahar province.

Pressure from other nations concerned about opium production, and
from the Afghan government, provides a disincentive, Niamati said.

Also, wheat prices are increasing and "that is why people are wanting
to grow wheat," Niamati said.

Poppy cultivation also takes more time, labour and water than growing
wheat, Niamati said.

The Taliban won't target farmers who switch from poppies to wheat,
but may take violent action if it's done by the wrong people, said
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

"We are not against wheat growing. There will be no threat or concern
for farmers who are sowing wheat in their lands," Mujahid said.
"However if the government authority or foreigners come down to the
districts for the purpose of distributing wheat seeds, we might attack them.

"If the seeds are being distributed by local community people or
tribal elders or through ordinary people, it doesn't matter, there
will be no problem."

Seeds will go to farmers who meet the minimum farm-size requirement,
have the ability to irrigate, and are in need.