ISHS Acta Horticulturae 199: II International Workshop on Temperate Zone Fruits in the Tropics and Subtropics
DECIDUOUS FRUIT TREES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO OPIUM POPPY IN NORTHERN THAILAND |
| Authors: | S. Subhadrabandhu, P. Punsri |
| Abstract:
In the highland areas of northern Thailand, opium has been a way of life and a source of income for the hill tribesmen. A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Evaluation Team showed that an average hill tribe family can manage about 1 acre of poppies. Yield per acre ranges from 1.5–2.5 kg, and the selling price of opium is U.S. $75–130 per kg. However, opium poppy cultivation has become a monster problem, not only for Thailand, but for the world. To encourage the hill tribesmen to grow other high income crops that could replace opium poppy, H. M. The King of Thailand initiated the Highland Agriculture Project. Deciduous fruit trees were among the crops tested for these opium growing areas. Varieties of the following were studied and recommended for commercial planting: Japanese apricot (Prunus mume); Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia); apple (Malus sylvestris); peach (Prunus persica); and persimmon (Diospyros kaki). Propagation and cultural practices were modified to suit local conditions. Selected varieties of these fruits can give enough income to substitute for opium poppy. | |
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