In a remote village in southern Odisha, India, Ajay Rout, an Indigenous farmer, navigates the challenges of earning a livelihood through traditional agriculture.
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Surrounded by forests and hills, with the nearest market 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away, Rout primarily grows sweetcorn and vegetables on his small plot of 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres).
However, low returns from conventional farming have pushed him toward cannabis cultivation, a banned practice in the state.
Rout, 34, cultivates about 1,000 cannabis plants deep in the hills, requiring a two-hour trek through rugged terrain to access the site. The remote location offers some protection from law enforcement raids. Despite legal risks, the profitability of cannabis farming has proven tempting, with Rout earning significantly more than from traditional crops. Cannabis cultivation, though restricted to medicinal use in certain Indian states, remains illegal in Odisha under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
The law imposes severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment of up to 20 years, for growing, possessing, or selling narcotics. Yet, the potential earnings from cannabis far exceed those from legal crops, prompting farmers like Rout to take the risk. Rout admitted to earning 500,000 rupees ($5,962) in five to six months from cannabis compared to just 30,000 rupees ($357) annually from vegetables.
Cannabis growers often hide plantations in inaccessible terrains to evade detection. The planting season begins in July, and it takes about five months to harvest. Farmers sell cannabis to traders at prices ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 rupees ($12 to $18) per kilogram, yielding significant profits despite weather-related risks that can affect crop quality.
The lucrative trade has transformed the lifestyle of farmers in cannabis-growing areas. Many have upgraded their homes, purchased motorcycles, and plan to enroll their children in expensive English-language schools. However, conspicuous displays of wealth risk attracting law enforcement scrutiny. Subhankar Das, a local farmer, acknowledged these changes but emphasized the need to maintain a low profile to avoid police raids.
Despite crackdowns, cannabis cultivation continues across six districts in Odisha—Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Boudh, and Kandhamal. Police have intensified efforts, seizing about 600 tonnes of cannabis worth $200 million and arresting 8,500 traffickers between 2021 and 2023. In one raid, authorities seized 185.4 tonnes valued at $55 million.
Law enforcement uses drones and satellite imagery to track plantations and destroy crops. Former inspector general JN Pankaj revealed that police face additional challenges from landmines planted in rebel-affected areas, further complicating operations.
The high demand for cannabis and its soaring market prices fuel the persistence of this illegal trade. Traders often purchase cannabis for 1,000 rupees ($12) per kilogram and resell it for up to 25,000 rupees ($298) in urban markets, sustaining its profitability despite enforcement measures.
Some farmers have abandoned cannabis cultivation due to frequent police raids and the associated risks. Prabhat Rout, a former grower, switched to millet farming, supported by government incentives such as free seeds and purchase guarantees. Although millet yields lower profits, it provides a stable and legal income.
For many farmers, however, the financial allure of cannabis remains irresistible. Rout continues to take risks, convinced that no other crop can match the returns. With local authorities ramping up efforts to dismantle illegal plantations and promote alternative livelihoods, the region faces a complex battle between economic necessity and legal enforcement.
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