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Afeem Ki Kheti: Opium cultivation in Barabanki is proving to be a gold mine for the farmers. This crop, called ‘black gold’, is in such huge demand in the country and abroad that licensed farmers are earning profits worth lakhs of rupees from it.
Barabanki: There are some crops in our country by cultivating which farmers can earn profits worth lakhs of rupees. One of these is opium, which is also called ‘black gold’ (Afeem Ki Kheti). Its demand is very high not only in India but also in foreign countries, because it is used in making many types of medicines and special products. Opium cultivation in India is completely under the license system. The government issues licenses for this only on the basis of prescribed standards and conditions, so that production is limited and farmers can get fair price for their produce. This is the reason why licensed cultivation of opium is very profitable for the farmers.
License required for opium cultivation
District Agriculture Officer Rajitram said that the license issued by the Narcotics Department for the cultivation of opium stipulates the production of a fixed time and a fixed quantity. The farmer has to produce that much. But if the crop is affected due to theft, animal damage, or diseases and pests, production reduces. In such a situation, the farmer is not able to collect the entire production. This has a direct impact on his license and the department can also cancel the license. Due to this fear, farmers keep taking full care of their crops from time to time.
Opium is called black gold because its international price runs into lakhs and crores. This is the reason why protection of this crop becomes very difficult. According to farmers, thieves, thieves and miscreants often keep an eye on the opium fields. As soon as they get a chance, they steal opium. Opium theft is the biggest problem for farmers. Because of this, farmers risk their lives to save their crops. However, when the crop is ready, they get huge profits.
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Opium is more valuable than gold and silver
Farmers cultivating opium told that opium is grown on a large scale in their area. They call it black gold because its value is more than gold and silver. Opium is used in many types of medicines, and some part of it is also used by people as an intoxicant.
Farmers also told that the opium plant is not only valuable in its raw form, but its stalk, seeds and pods are also sold at very expensive prices. This is the reason why this crop has to be protected more from thieves and miscreants than from animals. There is huge demand for it not only in the country but also abroad.
