DRDA Senapati distributes cardamom saplings
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 12 2016: Putting into motion the new initiative to replace unlawful plantation of ganja and poppy with carda-mom cultivation, cardamom saplings were distributed to chiefs of 21 selected villages at the conference hall of DRDA Senapati today.

District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) is the implementing agency of the new initiative taken up under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).

The new initiative has been taken up with a view to wean away people from unlawful plantation of ganja and poppy which produces negative socio-economic and health impacts and introduce cardamom cultivation in their place.

It is said that the new initiative would ensure sustai- nable economy to the farmers and it can bring remarkable socio-economic changes.

The new initiative is also aimed at addressing such problems like ecological imbalance, destruction of forest catchment areas, water scarcity etc caused by unlawful plantation of ganja and poppy.

DRDA Senapati distributes cardamom saplings

DRDA Senapati would organise capacity building as well as training programmes for cardamom farmers.

DRDA and Commerce & Industries Department would sign an undertaking so as ensure accessibility of markets to cardamom growers.

Moreover, DRDA Sena-pati Executive Director and cardamom growers of the 21 selected villages have also signed an agreement in order to implement the new initiative successfully.

As per the agreement, cultivation of cardamom and other similar plant varieties at the 21 villages would be monitored regularly.

In case, poppy and ganja are found cultivated at these villages, they must pay back the funds sanctioned to them for cardamom cultivation and no more funds would be invested in the particular villages.

The new initiative was formally launched at the conference hall of DRDA Senapati today.

Speaking at the occasion, Karong AC MLA Dr Alexander Pao said that introduction of cardamom cultivation can persuade people from cultivating ganja and poppy in remote areas of the State even though they refused to give up the unlawful plantations earlier on account of absence of alternatives.

Apart from being medicinal plant, cardamom can fetch more incomes that cultivation of ganja and poppy, Dr Alexander said.

He then called upon all the selected farmers to ensure that the new initiative proves successful.

Senapati DC Jacintha Lazarus said that vast fields suitable for cardamom cultivation are available in interior areas.

Cultivation of unlawful plants cannot bring about a sustainable economy and such plantations always breeds negative impacts in the society.

Cultivation of cardamom in place of poppy and ganja can create sustainable economy and an environment friendly atmosphere.

Efforts are on to launch similar plantations at Mao and Saikul which can ensure sustainable economy, Jacintha Lazarus informed.

Senapati ADC Deputy Chairman K Holison Raomei, MDC Nd Benjamin Tao and NPO president Moses Kamba were also present at the function.