The current strain attacks the roots of the plant , climbing up the stem and causing the opium capsule to wither away . A plant infection blamed for large drop in production , according to U.N. and Afghanistan provinces were hit `` particularly hard . '' 2009 production down 48 percent on 2009 figures . Afghanistan produces 48 percent of world opium , according to the U.N. Helmand report .
A plant infection blamed for large drop in production , according to U.N. and Afghanistan provinces were hit `` particularly hard . '' 2009 production down 48 percent on 2009 figures . Afghanistan produces 48 percent of world opium , according to the U.N. Helmand report .