Myanmar Takes the Lead in Opium Production
In recent news, a UN report reveals that Myanmar has surpassed Afghanistan to become the world’s largest producer of opium. Opium production in Myanmar is estimated to increase by 36% this year, reaching 1,080 tonnes, far exceeding Afghanistan’s reported production of 330 tonnes. This shift is attributed to a significant drop in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan following a drug ban imposed by the Taliban last year.
Factors Behind Myanmar’s Opium Boom
The decline in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan led to a 95% reduction, while Myanmar experienced a surge in opium cultivation. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar, triggered by the 2021 coup, has created a lucrative source of income for farmers in remote areas who turn to opium production amid economic, security, and governance disruptions. The UNODC report emphasizes that the military takeover in February 2021 has driven farmers towards opium cultivation as a means of livelihood.
Impact of Civil War on Opium Cultivation
Amid the civil unrest, opium cultivation in Myanmar has increased by an estimated 18% in the past year alone. The cultivation methods have become more sophisticated, employing densely organized plots, irrigation systems, and sometimes fertilizers. Rising opium prices, coupled with the dire state of Myanmar’s economy and the challenges brought about by the pandemic, make opium cultivation an increasingly attractive and reliable form of employment.
Regional Focus on Shan State
Shan State, a region marked by intense conflict between ethnic armed groups and the military, has traditionally been Myanmar’s largest producer of opium. The escalation of conflict in Shan and other border areas is expected to further boost opium production. The report notes that opium cultivation expanded the most in northern Shan State, followed by Chin and Kachin states, where insurgent groups are engaged in conflict with the army.
Economic Impact and Heroin Production
Opium cultivation has long served as an economic driver in Shan, attracting locals who have lost jobs in other parts of Myanmar. The opium economy, particularly heroin production and trafficking, proves to be highly profitable. The report estimates that Myanmar has exported up to 154 tonnes of heroin this year, with a total value of up to $2.2 billion. The Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet, has historically been a major source of opium and heroin production, with Myanmar and Afghanistan being the primary contributors to global heroin markets.
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