The Government of India announced the annual opium poppy cultivation licensing policy for the crop year 2025-26 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026). Cultivation is permitted in three states — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The eligibility is expanded to an estimated 1.21 lakh farmers, a 23.5% increase over the previous year. The policy supports India's legitimate pharmaceutical, medical, and palliative care needs. For Rajasthan, the districts of Chittorgarh, Jhalawar, Kota, Baran, and Pratapgarh are traditionally major opium cultivation zones.