Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Thursday reverberated with a resounding call — legalize opium cultivation to combat the increasing drug menace in the State. Like a thunderclap amidst the routine deliberations, the issue, spearheaded by AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, electrified the atmosphere, sparking a series of intense discussions among legislators.

Against the backdrop of Punjab’s relentless struggle against synthetic drug addiction, the demand for allowing opium cultivation was presented as a bold and contentious solution by the lawmakers, challenging conventional wisdom and igniting a firestorm of opinions.

Punjab, a border state grappling with the devastating effects of drug addiction coupled with smuggling especially among youth, has witnessed a resurgence in calls for the legalization of opium farming at earlier occasions also. Advocates argue that besides providing an additional source of income for the state’s farmers, legalizing opium cultivation could serve as a crucial strategy in combating the rampant abuse of synthetic drugs, commonly known as ‘chitta’.

Legislators, all from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who voiced their support for the legalization of opium farming emphasized the historical context, noting that during earlier times when opium consumption was prevalent, individuals tended to lead healthier and longer lives. They drew attention to the stark contrast of the present scenario, where Punjab's youth are succumbing to the deadly grip of synthetic drugs, leading to a sharp increase in fatalities and health complications.

Moreover, legislators highlighted alarming statistics indicating a surge in the number of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) centers across the state. AAP MLAs, at least seven of them, pointed out that the proliferation of such facilities underscores the dire need to address the underlying issues.

The issue was initially raised by AAP MLA Pathanmajra, during the question hour, raised the pressing question — whether the Government intends to cultivate poppy in Punjab to curb the synthetic drug? But before the Minister concerned could answer, the Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan burst into laughter, setting off a chain reaction of giggles among the lawmakers.

The Speaker turned to the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and asked, “Earlier, the opium vends used to function in the state…can you please inform me and give me details, in a day for so, who closed that?”

As the chuckles continued among the MLAs, the Minister paused for a moment, and replied, “This question has certainly brought smiles to everyone's faces…Looks like I'm also getting to that age where such remedies might be tempting!”

However, Khuddian swiftly rebuffed the proposal, asserting that the Government has “no intention” of delving into poppy cultivation, categorically branding it as “yet another form of drug”.

Undeterred by the Minister's response, Pathanmajra passionately argued that the devastating consequences of synthetic drugs cannot be ignored, citing the harrowing statistic of over 400 lives lost from 2020 to date. He also highlighted how the proliferation of IVF centers, smack, and pill addictions has ravaged Punjab's youth.

“Before 2007, drug use was minimal, but now the state has a staggering 136 IVF centers. Those who indulged in substance abuse earlier were productive individuals, engaging in farming and other activities…From 2020 to March 31, 2023, a staggering 266 youths lost their lives to drug overdoses. Since March 2023 till date, another 159 young lives have been claimed by addiction,” he said.

With unwavering conviction, Pathanmajra pointed to neighbouring states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, where poppy cultivation has already commenced, and Himachal Pradesh is considering it, and emphasized the potential revenue boon for Punjab. “With its cultivation, the state revenue will also increase…If the Government hesitates to embrace poppy cultivation, it should, at the very least, consider reopening opium vends to safeguard our youth from the clutches of synthetic drugs,” he argued.

Support for Pathanmajra’s stance echoed across the ruling party during the Zero Hour, as AAP MLA Manjit Singh Bilaspur lent his unwavering support, decrying synthetic drugs as a scourge haunting Punjab for over a decade.

Painting a grim picture of families torn apart by addiction, Bilaspur emphasized that in the past, deaths due to poppy or opium consumption were unheard of. “Our elders used to consume opium and they lived long…Government should seriously consider this…even doctors also suggest afeem in some cases of paralysis in small quantities,” he said, while speaking over the issue in the zero hour.

Former Minister and AAP MLA Fauja Singh Sarari informed the Speaker that opium vends in Punjab were shut down during the tenure of former Chief Minister Giani Zail Singh, who later became the President of India. He recalled that a special notification was issued during that time, following a letter written to the President, due to the significant presence of youth in Punjab’s Sikh regiment and wrestling community.

Another AAP MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa echoed the call to allow poppy cultivation, amplifying the urgency of the issue, while his party colleague Kulwant Singh Bazigar raised the demand for opium cultivation.

He recalled how former MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi had advocated for opium cultivation in Punjab when he was elected to the Lok Sabha. He emphasized that all members should support this cultivation and urged for a thorough examination of the statistics.

“Opium cultivation has commenced in Madhya Pradesh, with vends opening there, and similar initiatives have been taken in Rajasthan, with plans underway to start cultivation in Himachal Pradesh also. Thailand has also initiated cultivation,” he said while emphasizing the use of opium for medicinal purposes. “You can get the records checked…no one has died because of bhukki and afeem,” he added.

Earlier Demand

This isn't the first time that demands to legalize opium cultivation in Punjab have been raised, as the proponents argue for its potential economic benefits and its role in combating synthetic drugs like ‘chitta’.

Former Patiala MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi, spearheaded the movement by introducing a private member bill in the Parliament way back in 2016. He had been raising the issue time and again, and had been supported by prominent figures including former MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, and former Health Minister Surjit Kumar Jiyani, among many others.

A section of farmers had also rallied behind the cause, emphasizing that legalizing opium cultivation could significantly enhance their income and serve as a deterrent to synthetic drugs. In 2019, over 50,000 farmers submitted forms urging the then Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, and Governor VP Singh Badnore to consider their plea.

Dr Gandhi, a staunch advocate of the initiative, had highlighted the historical use of opium in Punjab, asserting its non-lethal nature compared to synthetic alternatives. He had argued that the ban on traditional drugs had inadvertently led to the rise of synthetic substances, emphasizing the historical significance of opium in the state's agricultural landscape.

Expert speak

An expert on the subject, while talking with The Pioneer, maintained that the push for opium cultivation by politicians may have serious consequences. The expert, who did not wish to be named, pointed out that drugs like heroin, while expensive, are not easily accessible to everyone; while the politicians' proposal to provide cheap drugs to the public raises concerns about the potential widespread impact on society. Additionally, the expert emphasized that farming on government land is a challenging endeavour. Citing examples from states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, where opium cultivation is government-regulated, the expert highlighted the negative outcomes. Instances in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, revealed that farmers faced legal issues and a high suicide rate, leading many to surrender their opium cultivation licenses.