Muktsar, March 24, 2019: A former Sarpanch of village Shergarh in Muktsar Sahib district was arrested for cultivating Poppy on his 7 Marla plot of land.
Confirming this, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Manjit Singh Dhesi told babushahi.com that this is the first case of its kind in the district.
A case under the NDPS Act was registered against the former Sarpanch identified as Kulwinder Singh (48) at the Police Station, Malout in the district.
Giving details, SHO Police Station Sadar Malout, Bikramjit Singh said that they had received secret information about the illegal cultivation.
Poppy plants with 3-4 feet high growth were found standing on the plot.
There has been a concerted campaign suggesting the government to allow Poppy cultivation in the state to wean away people especially the youth from consuming drugs.
The idea was first mooted by noted agricultural economist Dr SS Johl as Poppy crop, besides being remunerative for farmers, is considered less harmful than drugs.
Another vocal supporter of its cultivation is Member of Parliament from Patiala constiotuency Dr Dharamvir Gandhi.