Surge in Myanmar opium poppy farming as conflict pushes farmers into illicit trade

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

47% : Poppy cultivation climbed to 53,100 hectares this year from 45,200 hectares in 2024, the UN office on drugs and crime (UNODC) said in a report, underlining Myanmar's position as the world's main known source of illicit opium amid declining production in Afghanistan.
39% : The UN office on drugs and crime said in a report the growth underscores Myanmar's position as the world's main known source of illicit opium Opium poppy cultivation in war-torn Myanmar has surged to its highest level in a decade, according to the UN, rising 17% in the past year as conflict and economic hardship push more farmers into the illicit trade.

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