Mamata Banerjee urges for poppy cultivation in West Bengal

If the state can grow poppies, people will get them at Rs 100 (per kg), instead of Rs 1,000.

Mamata Banerjee Chief Minister of West Bengal has urged the Centre government to allow poppy cultivation in the state. She insists that delicacies prepared with its seeds are integral to Bengali cuisine. Mamata was speaking on budget discussions relating to the food and supplies department.

According to Banerjee, poppy seeds are costly as it is cultivated only in a few states. Why should it be cultivated in only four states? Why not in West Bengal, despite it being on the Bengali menu every day? People are purchasing posto or poppy from other states at high prices. West Bengal should get permission for its cultivation. The state has been trying to get permission for the cultivation of the highly-regulated crop.

Banerjee said the state will cultivate it in agricultural farms. If the state can grow poppies, people will get them at Rs 100 (per kg), instead of Rs 1,000. The decisions have to take unanimously.

If the state can grow poppies, people