(LIP-jl) -- Peru's opposition leader Ollanta Humala has proposed that the Peruvian government should buy 90,000 tons of coca leaves as part of his ambitious plan to convince coca growers to abandon their illicit business.
According to Humala's plan, a total of US$250 million would go to coca farmers in a lapse of four years to help sustain their livelihoods while the Peruvian government helps them to convert their coca growing operations into legitimate income-earning alternatives.
Humala claimed the Peruvian government has the economic resources to fund the plan, adding that the sum of US$250 million would be a one time expense in the process.
The former presidential candidate indicated the urgent need to resolve the ongoing conflict by agreeing on an accord, in which coca farmers, regional governments, universities, political forces, and the federal government should all be a part of.
As part of his plan, the leader of Peru's Nationalist Party suggests detailed record keeping in Peru's rural areas that will help identify which farmers are growing coca plants for illicit purposes.
"If we don't make a change, then I'm afraid this will be a future problem for our law enforcement agencies and the Interior Ministry," Humala warned.