Visakhapatnam Police Diversify Tribal Farmers from Ganja Cultivation to Sustainable Agriculture

Strategic Insights -

The Visakhapatnam range police in Andhra Pradesh have been actively engaged in a campaign to divert tribal farmers from ganja cultivation to alternative crops, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region. Through the distribution of lakhs of plants and seeds, the police aim to improve the livelihoods of farmers and reduce the spread of ganja cultivation. As part of this initiative, the police distributed over 46.8 lakh plants of 22 different species to over 10,803 acres in the north Andhra districts, benefiting 10,256 farmers across 20 mandals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Visakhapatnam range police distributed 46.8 lakh plants of 22 different species to 10,803.25 acres in the north Andhra districts for the Rabi season, benefiting 10,256 farmers across 20 mandals.
  • The police destroyed ganja plants in 93 acres in 2024-25, through Operation Parivarthana, with the help of enhanced surveillance and eradication measures.
  • Four advanced drones were used to survey 14,870 acres of land across 327 villages and destroyed ganja crops spread over 93.01 acres across 158 locations in 38 villages.
  • The police established 26 check posts equipped with CCTVs and 289 dynamic checking points across the region to restrict ganja cultivation and transportation.
  • Nine specialized canine units were deployed for concealed ganja detection, and the police seized 40,000 kgs of ganja, 17.94 kgs of hashish oil, and 78 grams of opium in 694 cases, arresting 1,945 people, including 740 interstate accused.
  • The police also focused on controlling ganja consumption, deploying 19 drones and special NDPS beats at 98 identified ganja hotspots and arrested 51 consumers.
  • The DIG, Gopinath Jetti, stated that they are working to control ganja cultivation, transportation, and consumption, and are sharing information with neighboring states to tackle the issue.

Statistics:

  • 46.8 lakh plants of 22 different species were distributed to 10,803.25 acres in the north Andhra districts.
  • 10,256 farmers benefited from the distribution across 20 mandals.
  • 93 acres of ganja plants were destroyed through Operation Parivarthana in 2024-25.
  • 14,870 acres of land were surveyed using advanced drones across 327 villages.
  • 93.01 acres of ganja crops were destroyed across 158 locations in 38 villages.
  • 26 check posts were established with CCTVs and 289 dynamic checking points were set up across the region.
  • 40,000 kgs of ganja, 17.94 kgs of hashish oil, and 78 grams of opium were seized in 694 cases.
  • 1,945 people, including 740 interstate accused, were arrested in connection with ganja cultivation and transportation.
  • 51 consumers were arrested for ganja consumption.
  • 19 drones and special NDPS beats were deployed at 98 identified ganja hotspots.

Sources:

  • The Times of India - Visakhapatnam Police Diversify Tribal Farmers from Ganja Cultivation to Sustainable Agriculture (no date mentioned)
  • "Operation Parivarthana" press release by Visakhapatnam range police (no date mentioned)