Poppy

It is known that poppy varieties have been cultivated in Mediterranean since 3000 BC. Poppy production and trade was allowed in our country until 1993, then it was declared a narcotic substance by law and its production was partially banned. Poppy cultivation was practiced in the Afyon region until 1971 in order to grow poppy seeds. Opium gum obtained by scratching poppy capsules was processed by the Turkish Grain Board and exported for medicinal purposes. From 1971 to 1974, poppy cultivation was banned in Turkey, and since 1974, poppy cultivation has been liberalized in order to improve the living conditions of farmers who make a large part of their livelihood from poppy production.