In some areas, such as the far north of Afghanistan, farmers have switched to wheat cultivation.

BBC: Afghan challenges for President Karzai

There are six villages and one settlement within the biosphere reserve, with a total of 10, 000 people (1997) who are mainly engaged in the cultivation of cereals (wheat, barley, corn), vegetables and melons, as well as in animal husbandry (sheep, cattle, pig).

UNESCO: Biosphere Reserve Information

Sugarcane cultivation has to compete with lucrative crops like rice and wheat.

FORBES: Magazine Article