Opium Poppy

Opium Poppy

Common Name :

Opium Poppy Botanical Name : Papaver somniferum Plant : The opium poppy plant is the only source of opium (dried latex) which is biosynthesized in the laticiferous cells occurring in the phloem tissue of the vascular bundles. Improved Gum (GH) varieties : Three improved gum (GH) varieties of opium poppy with superior agronomic performance have been developed by CIMAP and are available for commercial cultivation. These are: Shweta, Shyama, Sampada, Another variety 'Rakshit' has been specifically developed for its resistance against downy mildew. Uses : The opium is used as such to kill pains of serious nature. It is also used as cough depressent in chronic cases of asthma. It is widely used in traditional system of medicine.   Soil & Climate requirements : Opium poppy is a natural temperate plant. But it has fully adapted to subtropical winter climate. Time and methods of sowing : It is grown as a winter (Rabi) crop from 15 November to 25th November in north Indian plains. Seeds are sown by broadcasting or line-sowing. Seed rate  : About 4-5 kg seeds per hectare of any CIMAP varieties are enough for sowing by broadcasting or line-sowing method under optimum conditions. Irrigation schedule : Opium poppy is a delicate crop plant. It requires frequent irrigation (6-10) at the intervals of 20-25 days depending upon the soil-moisture. Manures, fertilizers and micronutrients : All improved varieties of Opium poppy require rich doses of manures, fertilizers and micronutrients for healthy growth of plant and seed formation. Green manuring before field preparation is very useful. Then, pre-sowing application (basal dressing) of 10-20 tons of Farm Yard Manure (FYM)/compost along with 60 kg/ha nitrogen (N) as Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) or Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) and 45-60 kg/ha. Intercultural and weeding : The fields of Opium poppy should be maintained weed-free by manual weeding and hoeing. The right time for these operations is about 3-4 weeks after sowing. Harvesting : Gum/Opium Harvesting Lancing of capsules GGum/latex collection Poppy Seeds Yield : The current MQY (the minimum qualifying yield) is 44 kg/ha opium in Uttar Pradesh, and 52 kg/ha in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. There is also some incentive to progressive farmers in terms of opium price they receive from the Narcotics Department. Growers who produce opium in quantities greater than MQY get premium price of their opium produced. Economics : Total cost of cultivation = Rs. 39,500 /ha. Total Income = Rs. 1,17,000 /ha. Net income/profit** = Rs. 77,500 /ha. in six months.