Afghanistan was the world’s largest producer of opium. But this time the country has been overtaken by Myanmar. They have occupied the world’s best position this time. BBC reported this news on Tuesday (12 December) about the United Nations report.
According to the UN report, Myanmar is going to set a world record in opium production. The country has the potential to produce 1 thousand 80 tons of opium this time. Which is about 36 percent more than the previous year. Besides, there is a possibility of producing 330 tons of opium in Afghanistan this time. Opium has been used as a key ingredient in the production of heroin.
Opium production in Afghanistan has decreased this year. After the Taliban came to power last year, poppy cultivation in the country was reduced by about 95 percent. Apart from this, its production has decreased due to the unstable situation in the country.
According to the report, Myanmar’s economy has suffered due to internal conflict and instability since the junta took power in 2021. The country has suffered from various factors including limited availability of legitimate economic opportunities, crisis in market and state structures, inflation, etc. As a result, the production of opium and other illegal products has become considered as an alternative and attractive means of livelihood in the country. Apart from this, the country’s farmers have also become interested in poppy cultivation by the end of 2022.
The average market price of fresh and dried opium is currently $317 and $356 per kg. Apart from this, in 2023, the amount of poppy cultivation land in the country has increased by 18 percent. This year 1 lakh 16 thousand 140 acres of land has been cultivated.
Myanmar, Thailand and Laos are collectively known as the Golden Triangle for the poppy drug. Historically, this area is very important for opium and heroin. Apart from this, most of the opium that is spread around the world is produced in Myanmar and Afghanistan.