CM's last appeal to poppy growers, encroachers
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, May 05 2022: While calling upon farmers to focus on organic farming and support government's mission of transforming Manipur to a total organic state within the next five years, chief minister N Biren Singh has made his last appeal to stop poppy cultivation and gave one month's time for encroachers to vacate from unauthorised occupation of land.

The chief minister made this appeal while launching Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) amounting Rs 28.12 crore for around 25,000 farmers registered under horticulture and agriculture departments for Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Phase- III (2020-23) .

Of the total 25,000 farmers, 7000 are registered under agriculture department and 18,000 under horticulture department.

Addressing the beneficiary farmers during the function held at CM secretariat, N Biren appreciated farmers for turning towards organic farming and called upon all farmers to focus on organic fanning and support the government's mission to achieve the goal of becoming an organic state.

While pointing out negative impacts of using chemical fertilizers, Biren stressed the need to adopt organic farming as preparation of organic manure using kitchen waste and leaf debris is quite easy.

He further expressed his desire of witnessing an increase in the number of farmers, production and areas covered under the scheme by next year.

While stating that drug menace has badly hit the state and many children have become orphans due to drug particularly in Ukhrul, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, N Biren issued a strong warning that the present government will not spare anyone found involved in drug business or poppy plantation.

He also reiterated that there will be no compromise on any drug-related issues and the present government will not succumb before the interest of few who are affecting the future generation.

In an appeal to illegal poppy planters in the hills, the chief minister said that this is his last appeal to do away with poppy plantations and take up alternative livelihood.

He further said that the government is ready with all assistance for alternative arrangement and discussion in this regard was held with the Centre.

He also said that NDPS Act has been amended and steps are being taken up to de-recognise villages found involved in poppy plantation.

A government constituted committee is there to identify the number of houses in a village and which villages are involved in poppy plantation, N Biren said, adding that if the need arises Hill Areas Committee or Revenue Department or any other will be consulted.

Hinting at interference from certain organisations, the chief minister said that the elected representatives are here to govern the state and all 60 members are working for ensuring future better of Manipur.

Issuing strong warning to illegal encroachers, the chief minister said that the government will give one month's time for encroachers to come before the government and surrender.

The chief minister also stressed on the government's stand on corruption and said that government recruitments will only be merit based and there will be no corruption.

Horticulture and soil conservation minister Letpao Haokip, who alsb attended the event, said that poppy plantation affects the society in two ways; drug menace in the society and deforestation in the hills, and they cannot be taken lightly.

He also stressed the need to implement schemes by laying more emphasis on plantations which are more suitable to the state's soil to ensure successful implementation of the scheme.

The state government led by CM N Biren Singh assured all possible help in providing alternative sustainable livelihood to stop poppy plantation in the hills, he said, adding that the department will have to take a pivotal role in the fight against poppy plantation.

Delivering the key-note address, additional chief secretary P Vaiphei appealed to farmers involved in poppy plantation to stop and come forward so that the government may provide all possible assistance or alternative farming programmes.

The launch programme was also attended by director (horticulture and soil conservation) Honey Chara, officials of MOMA, among others.

Direct Benefit Transfer of Rs 11,250 per farmer for the components of assistance for on-farm input for both first year and second year and for off-farm inputs production for first year was transferred to the individual registered farmer's account.

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