India Confirms Ban on Import of Foreign Poppy Seeds After 2022

09-Apr-2025 06:10 PM

New Delhi: The Government of India has officially confirmed before the High Court that the import of foreign poppy seeds has been banned since 2022, and there will be no relaxation in this policy. The decision has been taken to protect the interests of domestic poppy farmers and promote self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

In an affidavit submitted by Manoj Narwal, Superintendent of the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Centre stated that allowing foreign poppy seed imports is neither practical nor appropriate under current circumstances. The move aims to ensure livelihood security and additional income for Indian poppy cultivators.

The affidavit, dated 27 March 2025, includes official documents such as a 2022 email from the Narcotics Commissioner, reinforcing the continuity of the ban.

This policy is being seen as a significant step in shaping India’s agricultural and narcotics regulation, with a focus on boosting local production and reducing dependency on imports.