Odisha Police Launch Ambitious Plan to Eradicate Ganja Cultivation by 2029
In a significant development, Odisha police have unveiled an ambitious strategy to eliminate ganja cultivation across the state by March 2029. This initiative comes as Naxalism is projected to be eradicated by the end of this month, creating new opportunities for law enforcement.
Three-Year Special Drive Announced
Director General of Police Y B Khurania announced that a special drive will be launched from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029, targeting ganja, brown sugar, and other narcotics. The sharp decline in insurgent activities has enabled police to reclaim areas previously hindered by the Naxal menace, boosting the anti-ganja campaign.
Khurania made this announcement on Friday while felicitating Superintendents of Police from several districts for their successful crackdowns on cultivators and traffickers. He emphasized that cannabis was historically grown in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected regions, but improved accessibility now allows for more effective operations.
Odisha's Role in Ganja Trafficking
Odisha has long been considered a source state for ganja trafficking, with consignments frequently intercepted en route to states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Sources indicate that Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of cannabis users, followed by Punjab, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, and Delhi.
Historically, ganja cultivation spread across numerous districts including Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Boudh, Kandhamal, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Bargarh, and Balangir. With the decline in LWE activities, cultivation is now confined to six districts: Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Boudh, and Kandhamal. Among these, Kandhamal and Boudh remain the most affected areas.
Recent Successes in Cannabis Destruction
According to Khurania, significant progress has already been made. In 2024, cannabis cultivation over 21,008 acres was destroyed, and this number rose to 29,493 acres in 2025. Between January 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, cannabis plants worth Rs 1,444 crore were destroyed, dealing a major blow to smugglers and traffickers.
Economic Impact and Cultivation Details
Police reports detail that harvesting typically occurs between November and March, with each acre accommodating 800 to 1,500 plants. A single plant yields at least 500 grams of ganja. The black market price of raw ganja in other states ranges from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh per kilogram depending on quality, while cultivators in Odisha sell it at a much lower rate of Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 per kilogram.
This price disparity highlights the economic incentives for trafficking and underscores the importance of the police's eradication efforts. The upcoming three-year drive aims to disrupt this supply chain and make Odisha drugs-free by targeting both cultivation and distribution networks.
