New Variety of Opium 'Chetak' Developed by MPUAT Agricultural Scientists

Udaipur - Good news for opium-producing farmers as agricultural scientists at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) have successfully developed a new variety of opium named 'Chetak' after an extensive testing process. 'Chetak' opium is poised to be a game-changer not only for Rajasthan but also for farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The research conducted on 'Chetak' opium revealed not only higher morphine content but also a substantial yield in the dodapost (opium residue). The climatic conditions in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are found to be highly suitable for this new opium variety. Dr. Arvind Verma, the Research Director at MPUAT, mentioned that the development of this variety is part of the All India Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Project, undertaken in Udaipur, led by Dr. Amit Dadhich, a plant breeder, and project coordinator.

According to Dr. Verma, during the 31st Annual Review Meeting of the project organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at Narendra Dev Agricultural and Technological University, Kumaraganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, from February 7-9, 2024, 'Chetak' opium received recognition for cultivation in opium-producing states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Dr. Amit Dadhich explained that if farmers adopt scientific techniques, opium cultivation of 'Chetak' opium can yield an average of 58 kilograms of opium per hectare. Moreover, an average morphine production of 6.84 kilograms per hectare can be achieved, along with an average of 10-11 quintals of opium seeds and 9-10 quintals of dodapost per hectare. 'Chetak' opium is distinctive for its white-colored flowers, requiring a sowing to lancing period of 100-105 days. The morphine content in this variety averages at 11.99%. The seeds mature in 135-140 days.

The Vice-Chancellor of MPUAT, Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnataka, expressed that opium cultivation of 'Chetak' opium in districts like Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Kota, Baran, and Jhalawar in Rajasthan is gaining good traction. He highlighted that this would bring significant economic benefits to the farmers. The Central Narcotics Bureau is issuing licenses to farmers for the cultivation of 'Chetak' opium based on official records.