KILL THE POPPIES

Re: "Afghan opium harvest frustrates troops," April 26.

Afghanistan produces 90 per cent of the world's opium, and the
Taliban and other insurgents reap $90 million to $160 million a year
from taxing poppy farmers and importers of chemicals used to refine
the drug. The UN, with NATO, should spray and kill these poppy
fields, and support the farmers with funds from all of the NATO
countries, instead of the multi-billions already spent on the war.
Supply the farmers with money, farm equipment, seed for crops and
proper training for growing food. If the UN gave these poppy farmers
an alternative, perhaps the next generation would be the world's.

Norman Borecki,

Calgary