Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Myanmar Opium Poppy Cultivation Hits 10-Year High
Myanmar's opium poppy cultivation has reached its highest level in a decade.
The United Nations reported that the area used for growing poppies increased by 17% in the past year.
This is happening because of the ongoing conflict and economic difficulties in the country, which push farmers to grow poppies for money.
The main areas where poppies are grown are in Shan and Chin States.
There is also new poppy cultivation near the border with India, which could affect neighboring countries.
The price of opium has doubled since 2020, making it more profitable for farmers.
The situation is concerning because it shows that the opium economy is growing and could continue to expand in the future.
Opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar reached 53,100 hectares, a 17% increase from the previous year.
The rise is driven by conflict, economic hardship, and a doubling of opium prices since 2020.
Southern Shan State remains the core growing area, accounting for 44% of national cultivation.
Significant increases were recorded in eastern Shan State (32%) and Chin State (26%).
New poppy cultivation was identified in the northern Sagaing Region, near the Indian border.
- Who
- Farmers in Myanmar, particularly in Shan and Chin States
- What
- Opium poppy cultivation has surged to a 10-year high
- When
- The increase was recorded in the past year, with a steady rise since 2020
- Where
- Primarily in Shan and Chin States, with new cultivation in the northern Sagaing Region
- Why
- Conflict, economic hardship, and the doubling of opium prices have driven the increase
- Current Cultivation Area
- 53,100 hectares (205.02 square miles)
- Previous Year's Cultivation Area
- 45,200 hectares
- Percentage Increase
- 17%
- Core Growing Area
- Southern Shan State (44% of national cultivation)
- New Cultivation Area
- Northern Sagaing Region (552 hectares)
- Major Increases
- Eastern Shan State (32%), Chin State (26%)
- Opium Price Change
- Doubled since 2020