The cultivation of qat (a mildly narcotic shrub, Catha edulis) is said to be expanding at an alarming rate in the northern Tigray State. Plots previously used for the cultivation of cereals and horticultural produce were now being used to grow qat, the pro-government Walta Information Centre reported on 14 September. Walta quoted a local police chief as saying that 54 hectares in Raya and Azabo districts had been given over to the cultivation of qat. He said farmers were expanding their cultivation of qat because the plant commanded higher prices than other crops, but warned that the incidence of crime was increasing due to higher consumption of the drug.
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