On 24th Aug 2012, the Myanmar study tour group visited UNODC Myanmar office and received an informative lecture by Mr. Jason Eligh, the UNODC country manager. UNODC was established to deal with 4 area issues; Drugs, Crime, Corruption and Terrorism. Myanmar is the second largest opium poppy grower country next to Afghanistan, accounting for 23 percent of the opium poppy cultivation worldwide in 2011.
The Myanmar government also recognizes the serious drug problem. UNODC Myanmar office has been assisting the Myanmar government in eradicating opium poppy production. With the aim of it, UNODC started 3 new projects in Shan State from 2011: Alternative development, Sustainable livelihoods and Food security. UNODC also cooperates with local NGOs, civil society organizations and other UN agencies such as World Food Programme. (Mai Nakasendo)