We know that control of the poppy trade is a key funding source for the Taliban.  We also know that poppy production is a key part of the Afghan economy and the primary way of making a living for many farmers.  It is also reported that the illegal trade in poppies and heroin is a major corrupting influence on the Afghani government. 

So.... Let's buy the poppies!  Doing so could undercut the Taliban's support, eliminate government corruption and provide an income stream to farmers to support them in diversifying their crop. 

There might be several options for disposing of the poppies.   We might consider decriminalization and controlled distribution in this  country to deal with our own problems of corruption, disease and crime. Or we might use them to reduce legitimate pharmaceutical prices for morphine to reduce health care costs.  Or we could just burn them; that's cheaper and ultimately more productive than burning villages and just trying to destroy the source of livelihood for a major part of the population.