Myanmar Opium Survey 2004

Opium poppy cultivation in 2004 estimated to have decreased to 44,200 ha 29% decrease since 2003 66% cumulative decrease since 1998 and 73% since 1996 -73% US Department of State GoUM - UNODC

2nd opium producer in the world after Afghanistan The Union of Myanmar (former Burma) Population : 52 million GDP / capita: ~US$ 160 2nd opium producer in the world after Afghanistan Opium Poppy cultivation concentrated in the Shan State Shan State

Decrease mostly in Northern Shan State and in the Wa region Underlying reasons for changes: In Northern Shan State and outside the Shan State: Strong message send by the Central Gvt to the farmers lead to a decrease in opium poppy cultivation In the region controlled by the Wa authorities, opium poppy cultivation declined by 18%. The Wa authorities announced a total elimination of opium poppy for the 2005/2006 season Internal tensions in Southern and Eastern Shan State, less control by the Central Gvt; opium poppy cultivation remains stable or increased slightly.

METHODOLOGY OF THE 2004 OPIUM SURVEY In the Shan State: 59 high-resolution satellite images (IKONOS, 4-meter multispectral) 68 opium fields measured 598 villages surveyed - 6,592 households interviewed SHAN STATE

Opium poppy cultivation in the Golden Triangle since 1990: cumulative reduction of 77% between 1991 and 2004 -77%

Potential heroin production decreased to 37 tons 2004 Myanmar opium production: record low at 370 tons Potential heroin production decreased to 37 tons (-54% compared to 2003) -54%

No indication of increase in ATS production Reported seizure of ATS in Myanmar kg kg Reported seizure of ATS in neighbouring countries

Opium farm-gate prices increased by 80% Mong Pawk Opiun Price Monitor All Shan State Total potential farm-gate value of opium in 2004: US$87 million (1% – 2 % of GDP)

How does opium poppy cultivation stand up against other income generation activities? 260,000 households involved in opium poppy cultivation Opium family 214 US$/year Non-Opium family 276 US$/year

Addressing Basic Human Needs UNODC’s Response: Addressing Basic Human Needs Opium farmers rely on poppy income to offset chronic rice deficits 2005 opium ban in the Wa will exacerbate poverty of farmers, 2003 ban in Kokang had dramatic consequences UNODC aims to address the basic human needs of poppy farmers and their families Food security Medical care Education

Five Key Goals - UNODC Response (KOWI Programme): Humanitarian Providing food security for the affected poor Sustainability Consolidating achievements by offering alternatives Human rights Reductions without alternatives open up the door for human rights abuses – forced relocation and labor Domestic political reform Current drug situation breeds instability and hinders political transition Regional security Drugs create transnational problems from HIV/AIDS to corruption and money laundering