KABUL (BNA): The United Nations announced Myanmar as the largest producer of opium in the world, formerly, Afghanistan was announced as the largest producer of opium in the world, but after Islamic Emirate sovereignty in the country, the opium cultivation and production drop to zero.
Myanmar farmers now earn about 75% more from opium poppy farming, as average prices of the flower have reached about $355 per kilogram.
The cultivation area has increased by 18% year on year, from 40,100 to 47,000 hectares, boosting the potential yield to its highest level since 2001, the UNODC said.
UN officials have mentioned that the military’s engagement in Myanmar with armed ethnic minority groups is likely to accelerate the expansion of opium cultivation in the country.
Bakhtar
