Cultivation of poppy - the base crop for opium and heroin - in Afghanistan is higher than ever.<br/> <br />That's according to a new report by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime.<br/> <br />Here's the office's head, Jean-Luc Lemahieu, at a press conference in Kabul.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) HEAD OF THE UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME (UNODC) IN AFGHANISTAN, JEAN-LUC LEMAHIEU SAYING:<br/> <br />"The 2013 year, where we have witnessed an absolute record in opium cultivation in Afghanistan 209,000 hectares (516,000 acres) as the year of the paradox."<br/> <br />The report blames factors such as high opium prices and a lack of Afghan political will to tackle the problem.<br/> <br />Another big factor, experts say, is greater insecurity as foreign troops pull back ahead of next year's withdrawal.<br/> <br />Afghanistan is the world's top poppy cultivator with areas of production this year 36 percent higher than in 2012.<br/> <br />Lemaheiu says the world has a choice to make.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English HEAD OF TH
