Over 19,000 Acres of Land in Jharkhand Used for illegal Poppy Farming

Ranchi (The Uttam Hindu): In the past two months, authorities in Jharkhand have destroyed illegal opium cultivation across approximately 19,000 acres of land and arrested 190 individuals involved in this activity. This large-scale operation, which began in January, is part of a state-wide campaign against illegal opium farming.

According to data shared with the Chief Secretary on Friday, the eradication of illegal opium cultivation this year has been four times more extensive than last year, with 19,086 acres cleared. So far, 283 cases have been registered, and 190 people have been arrested in connection with these illegal activities.

Opium cultivation was primarily found in the districts of Chatra, Khunti, Latehar, Ranchi, Palamu, Chaibasa, Seraikela and Hazaribagh. Jharkhand's Chief Secretary, Alka Tiwari, has urged officials to continue the campaign against opium cultivation until March 15, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the complete eradication of the crop. Tiwari acknowledged the positive results of the campaign but stressed the need for a 100% removal of opium cultivation.