Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) U.P. Unit holds public hearing to address grievances of opium cultivators

The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) U.P. Unit held a public hearing on October 12, 2026, at the office premises of the District Opium Officer, Barabanki, to address grievances and receive suggestions from opium cultivators. Chaired by the Deputy Narcotics Commissioner, Lucknow, the hearing provided clarifications on legal provisions, administrative remedies, and cultivation procedures to approximately 150 participating farmers. Cultivators raised operational challenges such as irrigation and climatic issues regarding single-plot licensing, village-wise plot licensing anomalies, and requests for increased license numbers and plot sizes. Officials recorded policy matters and announced that a helpline number will soon be launched during the 2026-27 licensing operations.