The Malkangiri district administration in Odisha has recently launched an innovative project to divert local tribals from illicit marijuana cultivation. Instead, the administration is pushing for organic turmeric farming as a lucrative substitute cash crop. This initiative primarily targets the remote areas of Swabhiman Anchal in Malkangiri.
Reasons Behind Illegal Marijuana Cultivation
Several factors contribute to the practice of illegal marijuana cultivation in the region. Key among these are poor communication networks, widespread poverty, and alleged funding by outside drug mafias seeking a dubious source of easy money.
In 2019, the Malkangiri district administration conducted an extensive survey which revealed a surprising fact — almost all tribal families grow turmeric for personal use, albeit not for commercial purposes.
The Potential of Organic Turmeric
The district boasts a climate and geographic conditions that are conducive to organic turmeric cultivation. As such, this spice can become an effective tool of economic development for impoverished tribals besides serving as a feasible cash crop alternative for marijuana.
Projected income estimates show that each acre of organic turmeric grown could provide an income ranging from ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 to local farmers.
Implementation of the Project
The ambitious project is being carried out under the joint supervision of the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments. The registration of interested farmers for scientific training is currently underway.
Marijuana or Hemp – A Snapshot
Marijuana, also known as hemp, is part of the cannabis super-family. Despite its prevalence as a weed in several parts of India, its commercial cultivation remains prohibited. However, states like Uttarakhand, Jammu, and Uttar Pradesh have allowed restricted cultivation for medicinal research purposes.
Marijuana comprises two components – CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). While CBD is non-intoxicating and shows promise in managing chronic pain without psychoactive side-effects, THC is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana.
Relevance: The Narcotic Drugs and Psychoactive Substances Act, 1985
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychoactive Substances Act, 1985, bans commercial cannabis cultivation. However, this regulation does not cover the edible preparation called ‘bhang’, which some states permit.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Marijuana | Part of cannabis family, its commercial cultivation is illegal. |
| Turmeric | Potential cash crop that can provide an income between ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 per acre. |
| Narcotic Drugs and Psychoactive Substances Act, 1985 | Indian act that bans commercial cannabis cultivation but does not apply to ‘bhang’. |
| United Nations Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs, 1961 | International treaty prohibiting production and supply of specific drugs except under licence. |
The United Nations Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs, 1961
As per this international treaty, the production and supply of specific drugs and substances with similar effects are prohibited barring certain exceptions like medical treatment and research purposes. The convention views drug addiction as a grave evil for individuals and a social and economic threat to mankind.
