This shiny leaf appears innocent enough, but it is at the center of a vigorous debate in Bolivia.

It is the much maligned coca, used to make cocaine. But the leaf does have a gentler side. For centuries here in Bolivia, it has been used for a variety of purposes — from teas to religious ceremonies. 

And now the Bolivian government is pushing ahead with plans to create new industries that will use coca leaves to produce legal products.

This new factory being built in El Chapare will produce flour, wine and even toothpaste — all made out of coca leaves. It will be inaugurated later this month by Bolivian President Evo Morales, who has petitioned the United Nations to lift a ban on coca for some purposes.

But critics fear that more coca leaves will inevitably lead to more cocaine production as well.

The U.N. contends that cocaine production is growing faster in Bolivia than anywhere else in the world.
 
Coca growers question those figures. Cochabamba Coca Federal Vice President Asterio Romero:

[Asterio Romero, Cochabamba Coca Federation]:
"According to the United Nations' report, there was an increase in coca plantations in Bolivia. But the figures are from the United Nations and we, the coca producers, don't believe this information."

Coca markets like this one are a common sight in Bolivia, and the Bolivian President's support for the coca trade is welcomed by many producers here, who say sometimes coca plants are the only option they have.

Coca producer Florinda Alvarez:

[Florinda Alvarez, Coca Producer]:
"There are some places that are only good for coca growing, especially in elevated areas; you can only produce coca there. So whether it is good or bad, we do what we can to support our families."

Cocaine seizures have been on the rise in Bolivia. This year, the Bolivian police stormed the largest ever cocaine lab found in the country, in the jungle near the western city of Santa Cruz. Local analysts here say that over 70 percent of all coca production is funneled into the cocaine trade.

The reality in impoverished Bolivia is that coca leaves fetch far higher prices than most food crops. The hope is that supporting coca's other uses will help farmers, while reining in the cocaine trade.