Ajay Rout, an Indigenous farmer in a remote village in Odisha state, India, has turned to growing cannabis for a better income despite its ban in the region. His traditional farming of sweetcorn and vegetables barely sustains his family, prompting him to cultivate cannabis deep in the hills, away from police raids.
While cannabis cultivation is illegal in Odisha, many farmers like Rout have found it to be a highly lucrative business, bringing them newfound wealth and opportunities. The cultivation season starts in July, with the flowers taking five months to mature before being harvested, dried, and sold to traders.
Despite police efforts to crack down on the illegal trade, cannabis cultivation remains active in several districts with mountainous terrain. Police have seized large quantities of cannabis and arrested thousands of traffickers, showcasing the scale of the issue.
Some farmers have opted to switch to alternative crops like millet to avoid legal repercussions and disruptions to their family lives. Odisha’s government offers incentives for millet cultivation as part of efforts to revive the ancient grain and provide farmers with sustainable livelihood options.
While some farmers have shifted away from cannabis cultivation due to police raids and legal risks, others like Rout continue to take the risk for the significant profits it offers. The trade-off between financial gain and legal consequences remains a delicate balance for these farmers, highlighting the complex issue of illicit drug cultivation in the region.
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