Page 129 - PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORTS V1

AND MUSCAT rOLITICAL AGENCY FOE THE YEAR 1874-75. 27

Ispahan, however, differs from Yezd in this latter respect, as it
abounds in streams and rivers, and is capable of greater extension of
the cultivation of the drug. But the cultivation of cotton and cereals
takes up a large part of those resources and tends in no small degree to
reduce the culture of opium.
A few years ago the profits of the opium trade having attracted
the attention of. the Persians, almost all available or suitable ground in
Yezd, Ispahan and elsewhere was utilized for the cultivation of opium
to the exclusion of all cereals and other produce.
It was then supposed by some that the opium cultivation would be
indefinitely extended in Persia. But circumstances eventually showed
that such could not be the case-.
The attempt of the natives to enrich themselves by cultivation
and growth of a profitable article of trade and their neglect to provide
for the necessaries of life, combined with drought and other circum­
stances, resulted in the famine of 1871-72.
The costly experience then gained has made the Persians more earc-
ful and provident, and they are now using a limited space for the
cultivation of opium.
The largest produce they had in Persia, a few years ago, did not
exceed 2,600 cases. It has since been reduced to some 2,000 cases as
shown in the accompanying table marked A.
The quantity exported during last year, viz., between 1st January
and 31st December 1874 was 2,002 cases as per annexed table marked B.
Of this 583 cases were the produce of the crop of 1873-74 and
1,419 that of 1874-75.
The probable export for the year 1874-75 is estimated at 2,030
cases as per Appendix marked C.
The crop comes to hand in May and June, <md the great part of
the opium finds its way at the shipping, ports between September and
Januaiy.
The shipping ports are Bushire and Bunder Abbass, The whole
produce of Ispahan and Fars is brought to Bushire. The produce of
Khorasan and Kerman is taken to the Yezd market, and this together
with that of Yezd itself are sent partly to Bushire aed partly to Bunder
Abbass.
The opium has hitherto been carried by English steamers running
monthly between England and the Persian Gulf. The portion which
is intended for China is transhipped at Suez on board the Peninsular
and Oriental Company's steamers. This route is selected in view to
avoid the duty levied at British Indian ports.
The exportation of opium from Persia dur­
Vide Tabic B.
ing the year 1874 was os follows:—
To Hongkong, cage* 1,339 and Singapore 80= • #• ... 1,419
To London
• M • M • t « 683

Total ... 2,002