Title: Investigation of the farmers' perceptions and participation in opium poppy cultivation in the Northern Shan State, Myanmar

Authors: Avishek Datta; Htoi Hkawng Li Maran; John K.M. Kuwornu

Addresses: Department of Food, Agriculture and Bioresources, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand ' Department of Food, Agriculture and Bioresources, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand ' Department of Food, Agriculture and Bioresources, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand

Abstract: The interest for poppy cultivation in Myanmar is increasing due to an attractive income potential relative to other crops. The present study assessed farmers' perceptions of poppy cultivation, and participation in poppy- and non-poppy cultivation. Lack of law enforcement, large amounts of investments and higher profitability were some of the influencing factors for poppy cultivation in the poppy-growing region. In contrast, law enforcement was strictly implemented in the non-poppy growing region. Community development program was active in the non-poppy growing region, which had negative influence on the cultivation of poppy. The level of education significantly influenced farmers' perceptions regarding poppy cultivation. Alternative crops with high yield potential should be promoted. This study presents a new dimension on legal crop cultivation, poverty reduction, environmental protection and food security for policy development and implementation targeting suppression of illicit drug crop cultivation in Myanmar in particular and some other opium-producing countries in general.

Keywords: alternative crop; drug crop; food insecurity; illegal crop; non-poppy cultivation; Papaver somniferum; poverty alleviation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJARGE.2019.103307

International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, 2019 Vol.15 No.3, pp.181 - 194

Accepted: 14 May 2019
Published online: 25 Oct 2019 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article