Alternative source of livelihood to poppy cultivators studied
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, May 17 2022:
A team of officials from the Horticulture & Soil Conservation Department and Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) visited Peh village in Ukhrul district for providing alternative source of livelihood to poppy cultivators there.
Peh Village chairman Moon Shimray said that Peh Village Council had destroyed poppy plantations in their area some years back considering its ill effect on the society.
Pleased with the initiative, Chief Minister N Biren Singh had awarded Rs 10 lakh to the village apart from constructing one market shed under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, he added.
Lauding the State Government for its steadfast stand against drug misuse, Shimray said that the village will likely start planting the apple saplings provided by the State before June.
He also thanked MOMA for identifying and providing funds to around 100 beneficiaries (10 groups) for kiwi plantations.
Further stating that the village is fortunate to receive all these attention from the Government, he maintained that the villagers have been working very hard to succeed in their endeavours.
District Officer of Horticulture & Soil Conservation Ukhrul and Kamjong Yeite Khupsorel Koireng said that the villagers have already started planting vegetables like maize instead of poppy and are also producing ginger abundantly.