Government wants Antioquia coca-free by the end of year

Colombia’s national government has earmarked $48 million for a pilot program to eradicate all coca plants in the western Antioquia department.

The ambitious plan involves not just the destruction of coca fields, but also includes farmers who now make a living growing coca in the mainstream agriculture.

Nearly 4,000 men will be assigned to 120 eradication groups that will destroy the plant that is the basic ingredient for cocaine.

The municipalities with the highest concentration of coca production are Anoria, Valdivia, Taraza and El Bagre, the governor’s office announced.

Part of the government program is to offer alternative sources of income to the farmers who now grow coca. More than half of the budget will be spent on this.