New Opium Policy 2026-27: Farmers Can Cultivate on Leased Land; Higher Morphine Output Required for Licences

Chittorgarh, October 25, 2026: The Central Government has released its new opium policy for the 2026-27 crop year, ending a long wait for opium-growing farmers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The policy was issued on October 24, later than the usual September schedule.

One of the key changes is the higher morphine production requirement for eligibility for opium gum cultivation licences. The policy also provides provisions for farmers cultivating on leased land, simplifies certain licensing procedures for legal heirs and offers a longer licence period for eligible farmers producing poppy straw without lancing.

Higher Morphine Production Required for Licences

Under the new policy, farmers seeking licences for lancing opium poppy to produce opium gum must have submitted at least 4.4 kg of morphine per hectare during the 2025-26 crop year to qualify for the 2026-27 licensing process.

The corresponding threshold last year was 4.2 kg per hectare. The revised requirement means farmers must meet a higher production benchmark to remain eligible.

The policy also provides relief for cases that were previously pending in court or under appeal and have now been decided in favour of the farmers. Provisions for the families of deceased farmers have also been eased, allowing eligible legal heirs or previously nominated persons to obtain licences.

Five-Year Licence for Eligible Poppy Straw Farmers

Farmers producing poppy straw without lancing will receive a licence for up to five years if they qualify for the category for the first time. The licence will cover the period up to the 2030-31 crop year, removing the need for annual renewal during that period.

The facility is subject to compliance with the applicable rules. Licences may be cancelled if farmers are found involved in illegal activities or commit serious violations.

The policy also states that licences will be withheld this year from farmers whose poppy straw yield was below 800 kg per hectare in the previous year. They may have another opportunity if they meet the prescribed standards in the future.

Farmers Can Cultivate on Leased Land

The policy retains the existing licensed cultivation area requirements. Farmers producing opium gum will receive a licence for 0.10 hectares, while those producing poppy straw without lancing will receive a licence for 0.05 hectares.

The permitted area may be spread across one or more land record plots. Farmers who do not have sufficient land of their own can also cultivate on leased land, subject to the applicable rules.

The policy further provides a general tolerance for cases where the measured area exceeds the prescribed limit by up to 5%.

Online Application and Licence Information

The application process will continue to be conducted online. Lists of eligible farmers will be published on the Central Bureau of Narcotics website and online portal. Farmers will also receive notifications on their mobile phones.

Applicants whose documents are already available with the department will not need to submit the same documents again.

Higher Production Targets for the 2027-28 Crop Year

The government has also indicated the production requirements for the following crop year. For the 2027-28 licensing process, farmers producing opium gum will need to achieve a minimum morphine output of 5.9 kg per hectare.

Farmers producing poppy straw without lancing will be required to achieve a yield of 900 kg per hectare.

These targets indicate a higher production benchmark for future licence eligibility. The policy places greater emphasis on meeting the prescribed output requirements in the current crop year to qualify for the next licensing cycle.

FAQ Section

1. Has the government released the new opium policy for 2026-27?

Yes. The Central Government released the policy for the 2026-27 crop year on October 24, 2026.

2. What is the morphine requirement for an opium gum licence?

Farmers must have submitted at least 4.4 kg of morphine per hectare during the 2025-26 crop year to qualify under the stated requirement for 2026-27.

3. What was the previous morphine production threshold?

The previous threshold was 4.2 kg per hectare.

4. Can farmers cultivate opium poppy on leased land?

Yes. Farmers who do not have the required area of their own may cultivate on leased land, subject to applicable rules.

5. What is the licensed area for opium gum cultivation?

The policy provides for a licensed area of 0.10 hectares for opium gum production.

6. What licence period is available to eligible poppy straw farmers?

Farmers qualifying for the poppy straw category for the first time can receive a licence for up to five years, covering the period through the 2030-31 crop year, subject to compliance.

7. What production targets have been indicated for 2027-28?

The stated targets are at least 5.9 kg of morphine per hectare for opium gum production and 900 kg of poppy straw per hectare for production without lancing.

8. How can farmers check their eligibility for an opium cultivation licence?

Eligible farmers can check the lists published on the Central Bureau of Narcotics website and online portal. Notifications will also be sent to their mobile phones.