We have visited Lwe Taw Kham village in Tachilek Township, eastern Shan State where opium substitute cultivations are thriving. In addition to the green and lush plantations, a community based rehabilitation centre has been opened in the village. We had the chance to interview Ahkha National Race leader U Ah Zee who is actively sponsoring these tasks.

1. Q. We understand that these are opium Substitute plantations. May I know what kind of crops are you growing on this soil?
A. These plantations used to be opium plantations in our fore fathers time. We have initiated growing opium substitute crops since 1985 and now we are growing Lychee trees.

2. Q. How big are the plantations?
A. It is over 500 acres and altogether there are 20,000 trees planted.

3. Q. What are the benefits of the plantations?
A. We planted these crops to cover our family income. But because the plantations are booming, our earning exceed our income.

4. Q. We have learnt that besides agricultural tasks, poultry farming is also practiced here. What are usually bred?
A. We usually breed chickens, pigs, cows and buffalos. Chickens and pigs are just on manageable scale. We mainly do the agricultural work.

5. Q. We have been informed that in addition to the opium substitute cultivations, you have established a community based rehabilitation center with which to provide treatment to drug addicts. When was this center established?
A. We have established the rehabilitation center in 2004 and started to give medical treatment to drug addicts.

6. Q. May I know the aim of this center?
A. After the general round of discussions, we built this center on the funds from our Akha association and also from well wishers. This center was built to help through their difficulties and to give assistance to the families, so that their livelihood won’t be harmed, and to provide a future for the addicts.

7. Q. Can you tell me about the procedure of health care services giving at this center?
A. We are providing health care services with the doctors, nurses, medicines, allotted cash and food provided by the Government.

Thank you.