Annual Licensing Policy for Opium Cultivation 2025-26
The Union Government has announced the annual licensing policy for opium poppy cultivation for the crop year 2025-26, allowing approximately 1.21 lakh farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to receive licenses. This marks a 23.5% increase in eligible farmers, with 15,000 new licenses issued. The policy aims to ensure adequate supply of alkaloids for medical needs and includes measures to incentivize high-performing farmers and enhance processing capacities. Key features include retention of existing cultivators based on morphine yield and digitization efforts to improve inclusivity.
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