Opium farmers are individuals who cultivate the poppy plant, specifically the variety that produces opium latex. This latex is the raw material used to create various narcotics, including morphine and heroin. Many opium farmers live in rural areas, often in countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Mexico, where they may rely on this crop for their livelihood due to limited economic opportunities. The cultivation of opium can be controversial, as it is often linked to illegal drug trade and associated violence. However, for many farmers, growing opium is a means of survival, providing income in regions where alternative crops may not yield sufficient profits. Efforts to combat opium farming often focus on providing farmers with viable alternatives.