With Afghanistan’s decline in opium cultivation, Myanmar has now become the world’s primary source of opium, according to the latest UNODC’s latest report on opium cultivation.
The report, titled “Southeast Asia Opium Survey 2023: Cultivation, Production and Implications”, analyzes data collected in Myanmar during the second growing season since the military takeover, showing an 18 per cent increase from 40,100 to 47,100 hectares. . The report highlights economic, security, and governance disruptions post the 2021 military takeover as significant factors driving farmers towards opium cultivation.
KEY FINDINGS
Myanmar’s Opium Cultivation: The survey shows an 18% increase in opium cultivation in Myanmar, reaching 47,100 hectares—the highest potential yield since 2001. Myanmar has now surpassed Afghanistan as the world’s largest source of opium.
Economic and Security Challenges: UNODC Regional Representative Jeremy Douglas notes that economic, security, and governance disruptions following the military takeover are compelling farmers in remote areas to turn to opium cultivation for their livelihoods.
Conflict Intensification: The report suggests that the intensification of conflict in Shan and other border areas is expected to accelerate the trend of increased cultivation in Myanmar.
Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR): The survey includes the first cultivation data from Lao PDR since 2015, indicating relatively stable levels at 5,000 hectares. Regular estimates will be crucial to understanding the impact of recent economic challenges faced by the country.
Regional Expansion: The cultivation increased significantly in Shan State (20%), followed by Chin (10%) and Kachin (6%) in Myanmar. A targeted assessment also found substantial opium cultivation indications in Sagaing, along Myanmar’s border with India.
Yield and Price Trends: The average estimated yield expanded by 16% to 22.9 kilograms/hectare, reflecting more sophisticated farming practices. The average price paid to farmers increased by 27% to USD 355 per kilogram, making it an attractive commodity.
IMPACT OF AFGHANISTAN’S BAN
While it’s too early to draw conclusions, a protracted opium ban in Afghanistan is expected to result in continued high prices and further increases in its cultivation in Southeast Asia.
ILLICIT ECONOMY AND ORGANIZED CRIME
The expansion of its cultivation contributes to a growing illicit economy in the Mekong, with high levels of synthetic drug production, drug trafficking, money laundering and online criminal activities.
CALL FOR SOLUTIONS AND COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS
Complex Realities: Solutions within the affected countries need to consider the complex realities and vulnerabilities faced by people in opium-cultivating areas.
UNODC Initiatives: UNODC is working directly with farmers and communities to improve socio-economic conditions, fostering long-term income generation and building resilience to conflict and economic disruptions.
Community Support: Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC Deputy Regional Representative, emphasizes the importance of supporting farming communities in Myanmar and Laos, particularly in the absence of alternatives and the rule of law.
ADDRESSING THE DUAL CHALLENGE
The surge in opium cultivation in the Golden Triangle poses a dual challenge—addressing the immediate economic needs of affected communities while finding sustainable alternatives to its cultivation. The UNODC’s call for collaborative efforts and long-term solutions underscores the urgency of tackling this issue to mitigate the impact on communities and counter the growth of the illicit economy in the region.
