Opium poppy cultivation

Opium poppy cultivation involves growing the Papaver somniferum plant, primarily for its latex, which contains opiates like morphine and codeine. Farmers typically plant opium poppy in temperate regions, where the plant thrives in well-drained soil. The process includes sowing seeds, nurturing the plants, and harvesting the latex, which is extracted by scoring the seed pods. While opium poppy has legitimate uses in medicine, its cultivation is often associated with illegal drug production and trafficking. This duality creates significant social, economic, and legal challenges in regions where opium poppies are grown.