Narcotic crops are higher plants that contain a significant amount of various biochemical constituents that cause unusual excitation and subsequent central nervous system depression. Narcotic refers to any of a class of substances that dull the senses, such as opium, morphine, belladonna, marijuana, and alcohol, and that when used in large quantities produce euphoria, stupor, or coma, that when used repeatedly can cause habituation or addiction, and that is used in medicine to relieve pain, cause sedation, and induce sleep. Narcotics found naturally in the opium poppy have been used to treat pain and induce euphoria since ancient Greek times. In this article, we will discuss Narcotics which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Some Common Narcotic Crops

Tobacco

• It is a major narcotic as well as a commercial crop that originated in America and the Pacific islands.
• Andhra Pradesh is India's leading tobacco-growing state, accounting for nearly half of all tobacco-growing land and production.
• In India, about 90% of cigarette tobacco is grown in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
• North Indian state grows Hokah tobacco. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh grow cigars and cheroot tobacco. Maharashtra is the primary producer of bidi tobacco.
• With an estimated annual production of 800 million kgs, India is the world's second-largest producer of tobacco.
• Tobacco accounts for only 0.24% of the total arable land area in the country.
• It is primarily grown in semi-arid and rain-fed areas where alternative crops are economically unviable.
• The disparity in tobacco production patterns in India and the rest of the world is due to India's unique tobacco consumption pattern, which is dominated by non-cigarette products.
• Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, a variety used in cigarettes, accounts for roughly 40% of total tobacco production in India. India is the world's third-largest producer of FCV tobacco.

Arecanut

• It is the world's second most important narcotic crop, and it originated in Southern Asia.
• Its preparations and specific ingredients differ depending on the cultural group and individual who uses it.
• This chewable betel nut drug contains betel palm nut, betel vine leaf, lime, and tobacco.
• This psychoactive substance is commonly used as a recreational drug, but it may have medicinal or therapeutic properties.
• In low doses, chewed betel nut produces a stimulant response similar to caffeine or nicotine.
• Betel nut produces cocaine-like effects in high doses, including increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, anxiety, insomnia, and cardiac arrhythmia.
• Its euphoric side effects are responsible for its popularity as a recreational drug.
• Apart from the numerous health risks, arecanut also has some health benefits, such as betel nut extract, which may be beneficial for stroke recovery.
• Although nuts contain a lot of fat, it's mostly healthy unsaturated fats rather than saturated fats.

Opium

• The first mention of opium cultivation and use dates back to 3,400 B.C.
• Opium, a powerful narcotic whose derivatives include morphine, codeine, heroin, and oxy, are among the most addictive substances known to man.
• They are frequently smoked, sniffed, or injected as recreational drugs.
• It is a remarkable medicinal plant, the products of which, opium and codeine, are important medicines with analgesic and hypnotic properties.
• Codeine, another component of opium, is medically prescribed for moderate pain relief and cough suppression.
• It is taken orally and has less pain-killing ability than morphine.
• Aside from being used in drug production, the poppy is also the source of poppy seeds, which are highly valued as a food source.

Cannabis

• Many plantations grew cannabis in the form of hemp for use in rope, clothing, and paper. Cannabis has been used in India since at least 2000 BCE.
• In India, all forms of cannabis are currently illegal, with some limited exceptions made for some traditional preparations.
• Marijuana is legally grown in states such as Maharashtra, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttarakhand in India.
• Cannabis Sativa grows wild in many tropical and humid areas around the world.
• Its seeds have been used as animal feed, its fibre as hemp rope, and its oil as a paint vehicle.

Coca

• It is a highly addictive drug that is manufactured in jungle laboratories where coca leaves are extracted to produce cocaine.
• Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that the body processes as a stimulant due to its chemical makeup.
• Consumption of this causes a variety of problems, including stomach ulcers, severe depression, heart inflammation or palpitations, and pulmonary bleeding.
• Cocaine can also impair brain function and its ability to regulate stress and mood.
• Cocaine was well-known for its quick numbing effects. As a result, it is commonly used in medications such as toothache drops, nausea pills, and sinus pain pills.
• Cocaine is still used as a local anaesthetic in medicine today.
• It is occasionally used as an anaesthetic in medical procedures such as skin lacerations, nose or throat surgeries, and dental procedures.

Kava

• The plant's roots are used to make a drink with sedative, anaesthetic, and entheogenic properties.
• Kava has mild sedative properties and is commonly used to treat nervous anxiety, stress, and restlessness.
• Kava is sedative and is commonly used to relax without impairing mental clarity.
• Alternative Uses: It is used to treat various disorders such as Anxiety, stress, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Insomnia and addressing restlessness in individuals, Epilepsy, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Relieves headaches and migraines, respiratory tract infections such as the common cold, tuberculosis (TB), and urinary tract infections (UTIs), cancer prevention, and uterus-related problems such as swelling, pain, and menstrual cramps.
• It promotes wound healing and treats leprosy. It can be used as both toothpaste and treatment for cancer mouth sores.

Issues Related to Narcotic Crops

• They are either illegal or strictly regulated, so security concerns make production and trade both costly and complicated.
• A significant stigma is attached to the plants, making commercial and development interests difficult to attract.
• They are highly politicised, with the result that research funding is readily available only for projects that support the dominant view that the narcotic plant is dangerous and devoid of redeeming qualities.

Opium Cultivation in India

• After independence, the Central Government took over control of opium cultivation and manufacturing in April 1950.
• Currently, the Narcotics Commissioner, along with his subordinates, exercises all powers and performs all functions relating to the supervision of opium poppy cultivation and production.
• This authority is granted to the Commissioner by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985 and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules of 1985.
• The Narcotics Commissioner issues licences for the manufacture of certain types of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as permits for the export and import of narcotic drugs, psychotropic and controlled substances.
• Every year, the Government of India announces the licencing policy for opium poppy cultivation, specifying the minimum qualifying yield for licence issuance or renewal, the maximum area that can be cultivated by an individual cultivator, the maximum benefit that can be allowed to a cultivator for damage due to natural causes, and so on.
• The opium poppy can only be grown in areas designated by the government.
• At the moment, these tracts are restricted to three states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Around 80% of the total area cultivated is in the Madhya Pradesh district of Mandsaur and the Rajasthan districts of Chittorgarh and Jhalawar.
• India is one of the few countries permitted to cultivate opium poppy for export by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

• NCB is India's nodal narcotics law enforcement and intelligence agency in charge of combating drug trafficking and illicit drug violence.
• It is situated in New Delhi and is overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• It was established in March 1986 in order to fully implement the 1985 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
• Its mandate is to combat drug trafficking in India.

Effects of Drugs on Society

• Drug abuse is one of the world's most serious health problems today, destroying not only the person involved, but also his entire family, society, and the nation at large, and spawning antisocial behaviour such as stealing, crime, and violence.
• Drug abuse harms a country's economic growth by generating large amounts of unaccounted money, which is frequently used to fund terrorist and anti-national activities, posing a serious threat to national security.
• The United Nations declared June 26th as "International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking" in 1987 in order to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs among the general public and among youth in particular.
• Approximately 230 million people in the world use illegal drugs at least once a year, and approximately 27 million use drugs in ways that expose them to very serious health problems.
• The United Nations estimates that illicit drug use kills over 2 lakh people worldwide, with the majority of them being in their mid-30s.
• Thus, illicit drug use is primarily a youth phenomenon in today's world, peaking between the ages of 18 and 25.

Initiatives for the Prevention of Drug Addiction

• Narco-Coordination Centre: In 2016, the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) was established, and the "Financial Assistance to States for Narcotics Control" scheme was resurrected.
• Seizure Information Management System: Narcotics Control Bureau has received funds to develop a new software, Seizure Information Management System (SIMS), which will create a complete online database of drug offences and offenders.
• National Drug Abuse Survey: The government is also conducting a National Drug Abuse Survey with the assistance of AIIMS's National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre to measure trends in drug abuse in India.
• Project Sunrise: It was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to combat the rising HIV prevalence in India's north-eastern states, particularly among drug users.
• The NDPS Act: This act makes it illegal to manufacture, possess, sell, purchase, transport, store, and/or consume any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance.
  • The NDPS Act has been amended three times since then, in 1988, 2001, and 2014.
  • The Act applies to all Indian citizens living outside of India, as well as all persons on ships and aircraft registered in India.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat: The government has also announced the launch of the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat', or Drug-Free India Campaign, which focuses on community outreach programmes.

Conclusion

The biological world is endowed with millions of distinct living creatures, among which narcotic plants are essential. However, with advances in science in the fields of food, pharmaceuticals, plant protection, and industrial applications, the use of narcotic crops for purposes other than those for which they were domesticated and cultivated is becoming more common. As a result, understanding the applications and effects of narcotic crops in relatively new areas of science is critical to realising their full potential.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a major narcotic crop?

A) Cotton
B) Opium poppy
C) Wheat
D) Rice

2. Which of the following is a major issue associated with the cultivation of narcotic crops?

A) High profit for farmers
B) Environmental degradation
C) Legal commercialization
D) Enhanced food security

3. Which crop is associated with the production of cocaine?

A) Cannabis
B) Coca
C) Opium poppy
D) Hemp

4. What is a common consequence of illegal narcotic crop trade?

A) Economic growth
B) Political stability
C) Violence and instability
D) Health improvements

5. What alternative measure can be promoted to reduce narcotic crop cultivation?

A) Encourage more narcotic crop production
B) Improve law enforcement and punitive measures
C) Provide alternative livelihoods to farmers
D) Reduce international cooperation on drug control

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the socio-economic and environmental consequences of narcotic crop cultivation in developing countries.

Answer: Narcotic crop cultivation, particularly in developing countries, has both socio-economic and environmental consequences. Economically, while narcotic crops like opium and coca can provide high profits to farmers, they contribute to the illegal drug trade and undermine the formal economy. The reliance on these crops perpetuates poverty, as farmers often lack access to credit and markets for legal agricultural products. Socially, the cultivation of narcotic crops fuels violence and instability due to the involvement of criminal syndicates and the absence of strong law enforcement. Environmentally, the clearing of forests for narcotic crop cultivation leads to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and soil degradation. Water resources are often polluted due to the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, impacting local communities. Measures like providing alternative livelihoods, strengthening legal frameworks, and international cooperation are essential to mitigate these effects.

Q2: How can governments effectively address the problem of narcotic crop cultivation while balancing the needs of local farmers?

Answer: Governments can address narcotic crop cultivation by focusing on both the legal and economic aspects of the issue. Firstly, providing farmers with alternative sources of income, such as through the cultivation of legal and sustainable crops, is essential. This can be supported through subsidies, micro-financing, and training programs on sustainable agriculture. Secondly, strengthening law enforcement to combat the illegal drug trade is necessary, but it should be done in a way that does not harm the livelihoods of farmers. Developing comprehensive drug control policies, promoting awareness campaigns, and fostering international cooperation are important. Additionally, creating awareness about the harmful effects of narcotic crops and the illegal drug trade can help local communities make informed decisions about their agricultural practices.

Q3: What role does international cooperation play in curbing narcotic crop cultivation and its associated issues?

Answer: International cooperation plays a crucial role in curbing narcotic crop cultivation, as drug trafficking and its associated problems transcend national borders. Cooperation between countries can lead to stronger enforcement of anti-drug policies, sharing of intelligence, and coordinated efforts to disrupt international drug cartels. Additionally, providing financial and technical support to developing countries for alternative crop programs can help reduce dependency on narcotic crops. Multilateral organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank can assist in funding alternative development projects and strengthening drug control laws. Moreover, promoting trade agreements that offer incentives for the cultivation of legal crops over narcotic ones can be an effective strategy in tackling this global issue.

Previous Year Questions on Narcotic Crops

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "What measures should be taken to tackle the issue of narcotic crop cultivation in India? Discuss the challenges involved in controlling this problem."

Answer: Measures to tackle narcotic crop cultivation include providing alternative livelihoods to farmers, strengthening law enforcement to curb illegal trafficking, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. However, challenges include the high profitability of narcotic crops, limited access to resources for farmers, and the influence of organized crime syndicates. The implementation of these measures requires strong political will, international cooperation, and targeted awareness campaigns to reduce the demand for narcotic substances.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Explain the environmental and socio-economic consequences of narcotic crop cultivation. How can the government reduce the impact of such crops?"

Answer: Narcotic crop cultivation has severe environmental consequences, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution due to the use of harmful chemicals. Socio-economically, it perpetuates poverty and instability, as farmers become dependent on illegal markets. The government can reduce the impact by promoting alternative livelihoods, implementing stringent laws against drug trafficking, and providing support for sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, strengthening local governance and encouraging community participation are vital to combat narcotic crop cultivation effectively.