Minister Letpao distributes Rabi seeds for poppy farmers
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 15 2022:
In line with the state government's initiative to provide alternative livelihood means to farmers in hill areas, who had stopped growing poppy, horticulture and soil conservation minister Letpao Haokip distributed Rabi seeds for further distribution to such farmers in different districts.
The seeds were distributed to the respective district officers of the department during a programme held at farmers' training hall of the department located at Khonghampat on Thursday.
The seeds were meant for farmers of Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Chandel, Churachandpur, Senapati and Tengnoupal districts, and the same will be made available to the farmers through the district officers of the respective districts.
Speaking on the occasion, Letpao Haokip informed that in order to provide alternative livelihood means to poppy farmers, the department had provided seeds and saplings of Kachai lemon, low chilling apple, pineapple, large cardamom, cashew, litchi, turmeric and ginger in the first phase.
The seeds being distributed are for the second phase of the initiative under which seeds for high value hybrid vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, peas, beans, fenugreek and onion are being provided, he said.
The seeds being distributed are for around 600 farmers and will cover an area of around 985 acres.
As an act of encouraging the fanners, the department will provide incentives to farmers with good harvest and also help in providing market linkage, he assured and urged the department officials to ensure that the benefits being provided by the department reach the right and deserving farmers.
The department is also planning to provide seeds for blue berry and avocado, which would enhance income of the farmers, he disclosed.
There is a rumour going round among the public that the department is trying to take over the land of the farmers by providing seeds and planting materials, but this is not true, the clarified.
Letpao urged the public not to believe such unfounded rumours while stating that there is no such plan of the government.
The initiative is to simply help the farmers get an alternative livelihood means instead of growing poppy plants illegally, the minister said.
Later, the minister flagged off the trucks loaded with Rabi crop seeds to the respective district headquarters.
Horticulture and soil conservation director Honey Chara, additional director K Debdutta, senior officials of the department and district horticulture officers also attended the programme.