The reason why that plan was stopped is a lot simpler than some faction overthrowing some Afghan or Pakistani government.
Drugs is a business any way you slice it.
I could be cynical and say that the US government is selling the dope. Well, that may be true. The CIA doesn't get all their funding from congress. But I'll keep it at that.
No drugs means less enforcement. Those cops and DEA folks are tax paying citizens just like much everybody else. If there's no dope, many are likely to be out of a job. Someone on welfare is not exactly a source of income like someone paying taxes is. From the government's standpoint, that angle alone is worth considering if you step back and look at the big picture.
The argument of needing the plants for legitimate research is valid as well. I would also hate not being able to buy those delicious lemon/poppy seed muffins at the corner bakery
But just in case it happens, someone please try to save some plants. I'm sure some BC bud grower will have the leadership to pick up the slack and start growing hydroponic poppy plants.
