Spade work for replacing poppy cultivation on
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 12 2022:
An awareness programme for farmers on plantation of fruit bearing plants to replace poppy plantation was held at Makui village in Kangpokpi district on Sunday.
The awareness programme was organised by Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department as part of the continuing programme to give alternative sustainable means to erstwhile poppy farmers.
The awareness programme was attended by additional director (horticulture and soil conservation) K Devdutta Sharma, additional SP (NAB) P Sadananda Soibam, district horticulture officer (Kangpokpi) P Pramo and horticulture and soil conservation AO Dr Roshang Dangmei.
Regarding the awareness programme, K Devdutta said that chief minister N Biren launched a new programme called 'Cultivation of horticulture crops as an alternative to poppy cultivation in hill areas' on Friday and the awareness programme at Makui village was conducted as part of the programme.
While lauding the decision taken by Makui villagers to stop poppy plantation, Devdutta appealed to villagers to understand soil degradation by poppy plantation due to use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals.
He said that a pilot project costing Rs 50 lakh for plantation of Quinoa, ginger and blue berry was taken up in the fields of Zoujangtek village in Noney district to replace poppy plantation in the area.
Continuing the pilot project at one village each in Kamjong, Ukhrul, Chandel, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts, Makui village was selected for Kangpokpi district, he said, adding that Makui village was earlier known for banana production.
While stating that discussion on finding suitable crops for plantation in Makui village will continue, Devdutta informed that plantation of quinoa, ginger and turmeric plants is being considered as short-term measure and low chilling apple, in addition of citrus fruit plants as long-term measure.
Apart from this, the villagers will be provided seasonal vegetable seeds from time to time and the pilot project will begin in 100-acre land for 100 farmers.
He also said that villagers need not worry for marketing their produces as the pilot project incorporates procurement of farmers' crops by the government.