MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Processing, Harvesting of seeds and Yield of crude opium and seed

The crude opium is transferred to the appropriate storage vats capable of holding 3 to 30t. The opium of variable consistency contained in these tubs is removed as require and is carefully air-dried in the sun to 70˚ consistency. The drying generally takes 21 days and is carried out in wooden trays, by turning the latex 3-4 times a day. Sun drying is considered a critical process, since artificial drying causes a substantial loss in alkaloid content. Each processed tray comprises of 36kg of opium with 70˚consistency. The opium is then packed in polythene bags, each containing 5 kg of the product, which is then shipped in wooden chests; 60 kg chest for sir-freight and 50 kg/chest for surface shipment.
In addition to export, a small amount of 90˚consistency opium is prepared for domestic quasi-medical purposes. This is called ‘Government Excise Opium’ and is available in cubical cakes. These are wrapped in ‘butter paper’ tied and stamped and shipped to various states where the opium is taxed and sold to those who are duly registered as addicts and consumers.

Harvesting of seeds
The capsules, after the lancing operation and collection of opium latex, are allowed to dry on the plant itself. The drying process takes about 15 days after the lancing is completed. In India, the capsules are plucked by hand and the seeds are separated after breaking the capsules. Are plucked by hand and the seeds are separated after breaking the capsules.
A dry capsule weighs about 7g and it contains 11 to 12 thousand weighing about 3.5 to 4g.

Yield of crude opium and seed
On an average 25-30 kg/ha of crude opium and 400-500 kg/ha of seeds are obtained in India.