Despite ban, poppy cultivation continues to spread
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, December 13 2020:
Despite the State Government banning poppy cultivation and launching drives against its plantation, at least 500 families from different villages under Litan police station, Ukhrul are engaged in poppy cultivation as their main agricultural occupation.
The State Government has banned poppy cultivation under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, yet more and more people from Ukhrul and Kamjong districts are gradually expanding poppy cultivation over the years.
According to sources, initially poppy cultivations were seen in a few pockets at the hill range of Litan area in the past.
Now, poppy cultivation has expanded to Raphei/Northern Ukhrul villages such as Sihai, Khamasom, Phungcham and some western villages of Ukhrul district.
The remote villages under Kasom block and Sahamphung area of Kamjong district also cultivate poppy plants to earn their living.
Lucrative income has rapidly lured many rural people with the illegal poppy business.
One poppy plant can be harvested four times in a year.
Poppy harvest will start from November to March and can generate substantial income, whereas the annual income from selling vegetables or fruits is quite low and not sufficient to run a family.
An acre of poppy plants can yield at least 10 kg opium and according to the villagers, 1kg would cost not less than Rs 50,000 in the local market.
Around 5000 acres of poppy plants are cultivated alone under Litan police station excluding the villages of Ukhrul district, said a source.
Last year, the State police had destroyed poppy plants over 2,300 acres and is targeting more areas during the drive.
Litan police also informed that many non-locals from Churachandpur, Saikul and Gwaltabi are also coming to cultivate at the hill ranges of Sikiphung, Thawai Kuki, Shongphel, Mullam and Lamlai Chingphai.
They have started investing and occupying the hill ranges on lease for poppy cultivation.
The village chiefs are taking financial benefits from the investors as lump-sum annual tax for poppy cultivation in their land.
It may be mentioned that the State law enforcers/Police Department faces immense hardship and challenges while destroying poppy cultivations as the plants are grown in remote hilly regions with deplorable road accessibility.
Sufficient manpower, vehicles and proper monitoring with better equipment for destroying the poppy plants is essential.
Further, regular awareness campaigns to dissuade the farmers from cultivating poppy should be carried out.
Participation and support of the villagers, local leaders is essential to achieve the State Government's objective of a drug free State.