In India, there are about 1 lakh farmers across 22 districts in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh with a licence to cultivate opium.
The majority of them are from three districts that border Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan — Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Chittorgarh.
Together, these districts produce 80% of India’s opium.
Opium is obtained by slightly incising the seed capsules of the poppy after the plant’s flower petals have fallen.
Two types of narcotic raw materials can be produced from opium poppy: opium gum (latex) and the concentrate of poppy straw (CPS).
Until recently, only opium gum, a milky substance, was produced in India.
Opium contains morphine, which is known to relieve chronic pain and is used mostly by the pharmaceutical industry to produce medicines.
On the flip side, it also produces opioids like heroin.
Because it is an addictive substance that can cause mental clouding and hallucinations, opium production is highly regulated in India.
The gum is procured solely by the Central Bureau of Narcotics, which functions under the Union Finance Ministry.
Major states in opium Production
Madhya Pradesh: The Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer of opium in India, accounting for over 50% of the country's total output. The Neemuch district is also a significant producer.
Rajasthan: The Kota, Baran, Jhalawar, Chittorgarh, and Udaipur districts in Rajasthan are all major producers of opium.
Uttar Pradesh: The Barabanki, Faizabad, Ghazipur, Mau, Lucknow, Raibareilly, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, and Budaun districts in Uttar Pradesh are all significant producers of opium.
Is it legal?
Yes, opium cultivation is legal in India
Its only under a license issued by the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN).
The CBN is responsible for regulating the cultivation, production, and distribution of opium in India.
Opium is a highly controlled substance, and the Indian government takes strict measures to prevent its diversion to illicit markets.
The CBN issues licenses to cultivators in these states.
The Indian government is committed to preventing the diversion of opium to illicit markets.
The CBN works closely with law enforcement agencies to crack down on opium trafficking.
India is also a party to the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which sets international standards for the control of opium.
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