http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/06/army-to-afghan-farmers-
trade-opium-for-saffron/ The Army has commissioned a 22-page report on saffron as an alternative cash crop to the opium poppy for Afghan farmers; the piece also notes that it’s nice “to see the military studying aid and development models so closely.” Unfortunately, opium is an “almost ideal” crop, and would probably be about 50% more profitable for the farmers than saffron: “it is a high-value, low weight crop that requires minimal water; the paste collected during the harvest is easy to store and transport; and the buyers come to directly to you.” 17:53