If poppies can grow all over the world, why is it that opium production is so heavily concentrated in Afghanistan?

Question

If poppies can grow all over the world, why is it that opium production is so heavily concentrated in Afghanistan?

In: 8505

Answer 1

They can grow in most places but only certain spots can produce a high yield (Afghanistan, SE & SW Asia & Latin America).

Places like Afghanistan can produce a good balance of quality and yield. Macedonia grows the highest quality (strongest) but with a much smaller yield.