Shortage of poppy; Rates increased

The country is expected to produce an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 tonnes in March 2021. Poppy is grown in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in India. Ramesh Patel, a trader in the market yard, said that the planting was allowed by the Narcotics Department.

This year, Turkey produced about 18,000 tonnes of white poppy in July and August, 500 tonnes in the Czech Republic and 3,000 tonnes in China. About 20,000 tonnes of poppy is sold in India every year. At present, the country has only 2,000 tonnes of stocks left. Poppy imports from the central government are generally expected to be approved between March and April. As a result, poppy prices are on the rise. Patel also said that it is likely to increase further.