Nemcha Kipgen distributes Horticulture crops
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, July 04 2022:
Textiles, Commerce & Industry and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen today distributed Horticulture crops as an alternative for poppy cultivation at Kangpokpi town.
Nemcha Kipgen distributed the crops under the "Cultivation of Horticulture Crops as an alternative for Poppy Cultivation in Hill Areas" scheme launched recently by the State Government in the interest of the farming community in general and illegal poppy farmers in particular.
The Minister distributed 400 saplings of Litchi, 15 bags of Ginger, 80 bags of Turmeric, 1500 saplings of Lemon, and 5000 saplings of Pineapple in the presence of P Pramo Devi, Deputy Director, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Kangpokpi.
Speaking on the occasion, Nemcha Kipgen stated that the State Government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh had taken up serious war-footing against illegal poppy cultivation in the hill areas.
"To combat the menace of illegal poppy cultivation which has become a social problem, the Government had a multi-pronged approach through inter-departmental efforts to provide alternative livelihood to the illegal poppy farmers who had agreed to stop illegal cultivation with a sustainable integrated farming system", she added.
She also assured the farming community that in consultation with the CM and authorities concerned, the lists of crops, seeds and vegetables preferred by the farmers as an alternative livelihood will be provided.
The farmers conveyed their desire to cultivate Kachai Lemon, low chilling Apple, large Cardamom, and Cashew.
They also submitted a list of crops to the Minister.
Nemcha Kipgen further stated that the list would be sent to the authorities concerned so that it can be distributed in the second phase.