This paper summarizes work on factors affecting alkaloidal content and latex yield in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), driven by World War I conditions that necessitated improving India's low-morphine opium due to disrupted supplies from Asia Minor, the Balkans, and Persia. Beginning in October 1916, the author investigated the cause of low morphine content, achieving success such that India could produce opium with morphine levels comparable to those regions. The study used pure poppy races (resistant to Blight disease, Peronospora arborescens) supplied by H. M. Leake, conducted on a large scale across multiple centers (plains and Himalayas). Key results: Morphine content in opium from successive capsule lancings decreases significantly—highest in the first lancing, declining with each subsequent lancing (fifth lancing sometimes had no morphine). Intervals of ≥1 day between lancings showed consistent morphine reduction, while 4-hour intervals had less pronounced declines. Latex collected at successive times post-incision also showed decreasing morphine, with the first outflow having the highest concentration. Increasing incision number boosted yield but lowered morphine; tiny incisions maintained higher morphine and slower decline. Typical data illustrate these trends.