The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) U.P. Unit conducted a public hearing on October 12, 2026, at the District Opium Officer's office in Barabanki to address grievances of opium cultivators. The hearing was chaired by the Deputy Narcotics Commissioner, Lucknow (U.P.), with Assistant Narcotics Commissioner and other officers from Barabanki Division in attendance.
Approximately 150 opium cultivators participated in the meeting and raised several operational challenges. Farmers highlighted irrigation difficulties and climatic vagaries associated with the licensing of single plots. They identified an anomaly in the current practice of village-wise plot licensing and suggested that allocations should instead be based on the mean distance from a farmer's dwelling. Cultivators formally requested an increase in both the total number of issued licenses and the permissible size of individual cultivation plots.
Officials carefully heard the concerns, queries, and doubts presented by farmers and provided immediate solutions where possible. For policy matters, the issues were recorded for further consideration. The Deputy Narcotics Commissioner informed cultivators that a helpline number will be announced during the licensing operation for 2026-27 at the DNC Office in Lucknow to assist opium cultivators.
The public hearing was organized to provide quick solutions to problems faced by opium cultivators and receive suggestions for making opium cultivation more farmer-friendly. Cultivators were apprised of legal provisions and administrative remedies available to them during the session.