A unique strain of cannabis called Sheelavathi is gaining popularity in India, surpassing the well-known Malana Cream variety. Sheelavathi accounts for more than 70% of the ganja confiscated by the NCB nationwide in the past four years. It is primarily cultivated in tribal areas along the Andhra-Odisha border. Its cultivation is now limited to Malkangiri and Koraput districts of Odisha, as well as select areas of Andhra Pradesh.
Sitting on a stone platform in front of the temple of Jamlu Devta in Malana village, Dalip Ram points to a row of new houses while blocking the winter.