Opium farmers seek more licences and a floor price of ₹1 lakh per kg ahead of 2026‑27 licensing policy
Summary
- Farmers cultivating opium in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have written to the Union Government demanding an increase in the number of opium farming licences.
- The growers have also urged the government to fix a minimum farm‑gate price of ₹1 lakh per kilogram of opium.
- The plea comes just before the Union Government is scheduled to announce the Opium Licensing Policy for the financial year 2026‑27 in September.
- Currently, opium cultivation is permitted only under a limited quota of licences, and any relaxation could impact both farmer incomes and illicit supply chains.
Key Facts
- · Opium cultivation in India is allowed only under a government‑issued licence.
- · The 2026‑27 Opium Licensing Policy will be announced in September 2026.
- · Farmers from MP, Rajasthan and UP are the primary stakeholders in the demand.
- · The requested floor price is ₹1 lakh per kilogram of opium.
- · An increase in licences could boost legal production and farmer earnings while curbing illegal diversion.
Why it matters
Opium is a high‑value, controlled crop that contributes to agricultural income in select states; a revised licensing framework and price floor can enhance farmer livelihoods, reduce illegal diversion, and align domestic production with national drug‑control objectives.
#opium#agriculture#licensing#Madhya Pradesh#Rajasthan#Uttar Pradesh