Workshop on "Alternative livelihood for people in poppy cultivation areas" held
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Kamjong, May 11 2022:
A meeting cum workshop on "Alternative Livelihood for People in Poppy Cultivation Areas (Kamjong District)" was held today at Sikibung village (near Litan) under Kamjong District.
The workshop organised by District Administration Kamjong was participated by officials from various Government Departments, NAB, CSOs and people of the area.
Speaking on the occasion, Rangnamei Rang Peter, Deputy Commissioner Kamjong stated that the State Government led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh has been taking the issue of widespread poppy cultivation very seriously and solving this problem has become its top priority.
"The drive has become stronger in the past few weeks.
However, the Government cannot alone fight this menace.
Similar responsibility and commitment are also needed from the public and CSOs", he added.
|
"They can take a big role in raising awareness to the villagers about the harms of poppy cultivation and need to find other livelihoods for a better future" said the DC while adding that the workshop was just a beginning of a massive awareness drive and similar workshops will also be conducted in Sub-division and village levels.
Rangnamei Rang Peter further expressed his appreciation to all the CSOs, villagers and District Level Officers of different Departments for taking keen interest in the issue.
In the technical sessions, Sachidananda Soibam, Additional SP of NAB gave a detailed PPT presentation on "The legal aspects and implications of poppy cultivation" .
He informed that a total of 6,742 acres of land (as per 2021-22 records) belonging to 9 districts of Manipur have been affected by poppy cultivation, thereby giving grave environment, social, economic, demographic and ethical impact.
Debadutta Singh, Joint Director (Horti & SC)/PD MOMA-Manipur and Dr Ibotombi Singh, Director (Vety & Animal Husbandry) also gave presentations on "Alternative livelihood to poppy cultivation" .
David K Shimray, president TNL; Jamkholun Haokip, president EKCA and Rev Daniel Kashung, executive secretary STNBA also took part in the workshop.