Illegal cannabis farming thrives in India's Odisha: report

Local farmers are turning to high-profit cannabis cultivation despite illegality and increased government crackdowns

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Illegal cannabis cultivation is growing rapidly in Odisha, India, with many local farmers turning to the high-profit crop despite its illegality and the heightened efforts by authorities to curb the trade, accorsding to a report by Al Jazeera..

Cannabis farming has become a lucrative business for farmers, who can sell the harvested crop to traders for Rs1,000 to Rs1,500 ($12-$18) per kilogram, the report said.

In major cities, the price can rise to Rs25,000 ($298) per kilogram.

The profits from cannabis farming far outstrip those from traditional crops, making it an increasingly attractive option for many in Odisha's remote districts, including Koraput, Malkangiri, and Rayagada.

For some farmers, the financial gains have allowed them to improve their lifestyles, affording motorcycles, concrete homes, and better educational opportunities for their children.

However, cannabis cultivation remains illegal under India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985, which imposes severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison.

Authorities have made efforts to stamp out the illegal practice by deploying drones and satellite technology to track and destroy illicit plantations. Despite these measures, more than 600 tonnes of cannabis have been seized in recent years, and large plantations continue to be uprooted.

The crackdown, however, has done little to deter the illegal cannabis trade. Farmers, driven by the high profits, continue to grow the crop, despite the risks of arrest and imprisonment.

Some have shifted to safer crops like millet due to the increasing law enforcement presence, but for others, the substantial profits make cannabis farming too tempting to abandon.

The geographical challenges of Odisha's rugged terrain have made enforcement difficult, providing ample cover for illicit cannabis cultivation.

While authorities work to control the issue, the allure of quick wealth from cannabis farming continues to drive many farmers to take the risk.

Earlier last month, a French national arriving in Pakistan from India was caught with a large quantity of drugs.

According to an Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) spokesperson, nationwide operations against drug trafficking were ongoing. As part of this effort, ANF conducted an operation at Islamabad International Airport, recovering a significant quantity of drugs from the suspect.

The suspect had traveled from India to Islamabad and was en route to Sri Lanka via Muscat. Upon inspection, 1.58 kilograms of hashish were discovered in the suspect's luggage.

The individual, who had entered Pakistan on a visit visa, was attempting to smuggle the drugs by concealing them in chocolate packaging.

Authorities registered a case against the suspect under the Anti-Narcotics Act and initiated an investigation.