Odisha Mafias Exploit Unused Land for Illegal Cannabis Cultivation

Criminal organizations are leveraging extensive, undeveloped government and revenue lands in remote areas of Odisha for illegal cannabis cultivation. These operations are reportedly concentrated in the districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Gajapati.

What Happened

During the 2025-26 crop season, Odisha police eradicated illegal cannabis crops spanning 36,508 acres across six identified districts. Of this total area, 6,632 acres comprised government or revenue-owned land. The state's Revenue Department has instructed district Collectors in these areas to ensure continuous monitoring of land parcels previously used for illicit cultivation. This measure is intended to prevent re-cultivation by individuals who tend to return to these remote and inadequately surveilled locations.

Key Facts

• In the 2025-26 crop season, Odisha police destroyed illicit cannabis cultivation on 36,508 acres in six districts.
• Of the total destroyed area, 6,632 acres were government or revenue land.
• The six districts involved are Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Gajapati.
• Revenue Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee noted the tendency of cultivators to return to previously used land patches.
• District Collectors are tasked with reporting any detected illegal cannabis cultivation on government/revenue land to the police or Special Task Force.
• The Odisha Police destroyed over 108 metric tonnes of seized cannabis, valued at approximately ₹544 crore, in June-July.
• Odisha serves as a key source for illegal cannabis, supplying inter-state syndicates in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Goa.

Background

The profitability of cannabis cultivation, with returns estimated between ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per kg, drives individuals in these remote regions towards illegal farming. The challenging terrain and limited law enforcement presence in these areas further embolden these activities. Historically, many of these districts were affected by Left-wing extremism, and illicit cannabis cultivation was a significant income source for Maoist groups. Some of these areas, like Kandhamal and Boudh, were only recently declared Maoist-free.

Officials suspect that individuals from outside the region fund and organize the cultivation, often using local villagers and employing methods to conceal their identities. The state government has issued a warning of strict action against any police or field-level officials found to be collaborating with those involved in the illegal trade.