New Opium Policy for 2026-27 to Benefit Over 133,000 Farmers

Neemuch, October 26 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian government’s new opium policy for 2026-27 is set to benefit approximately 133,000 farmers across the country, with an additional 18,000 new farmers gaining access to cultivation opportunities compared to last year. According to the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) in Neemuch, this policy outlines eligibility criteria, cultivation area, and yield standards for farmers.

One of the most significant aspects of the policy is the reinstatement of licenses for around 10,500 farmers who were de-licensed between 1998 and 2003. Farmers from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh will particularly benefit from this decision.

Under the new guidelines, the area designated for the incision method is set at 0.10 hectares, while the area for the unincised method is 0.05 hectares. Farmers will also have the option to lease land from others for cultivation, with an allowance for an additional five percent area.

To qualify, farmers using the incision method must achieve a minimum yield of 4.4 kilograms of morphine per hectare, while those using the unincised method must produce at least 800 kilograms per hectare. These standards will increase to 5.9 kilograms and 900 kilograms, respectively, next year.

A modern poppy husk processing unit with an annual capacity of 10,000 metric tons is expected to commence operations in Neemuch in the upcoming financial year.

The list of eligible farmers will be published on the CBN website and an online portal. Notifications will be sent to registered mobile numbers and emails. Existing license holders will not need to resubmit their documents.

Nikhil Gandhi, the Deputy Narcotics Commissioner in Neemuch, emphasized that the CBN serves as the nodal agency for opium cultivation, aiming to facilitate the licensing process for farmers. He stated that the eligibility list would soon be uploaded to their website, allowing farmers to verify their status and apply for licenses accordingly.

While the eligibility list is still being finalized, approximately 35,900 farmers are expected to receive land leases for Luni-Chirni, and around 30,000 farmers will be granted leases for CPS. This year, about 10,000 to 10,500 new farmers are anticipated to qualify compared to previous years.

Technical training sessions have been organized for farmers through agricultural science centers and colleges in every district. Many farmers are already well-informed and prepared to handle weather-related challenges. Gandhi noted that the current temperatures have not been excessively low, making it a suitable time for sowing. With the new policy in place, farmers are optimistic about achieving good yields.

Farmers are encouraged to check the eligibility list, which is expected to be uploaded by the end of the day or by tomorrow evening. The list will be divided into two parts: one for regular leaseholders and another for new leaseholders under the relaxation policy. Farmers can verify their names on the eligibility list, ensuring no undue pressure or inducements affect their leases.

If any cultivator believes they should be on the eligibility list but is not, they can contact their local opium officer or the Deputy Narcotics Commissioner directly with valid documents. The authorities will assess their eligibility based on available records, eliminating the need for intermediaries.