Letpao vows help if poppy cultivation stopped
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 13 2022: Horticulture and Soil Conservation minister Letpao Haokip on Friday flagged off the first consignment of dry organic turmeric weighing 10 metric tonnes which is to be exported to other states and European countries.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister assured that all possible help will be extended by horticulture department if people cease poppy cultivation in the hills.

The flagging off ceremony of the first consignment of organic turmeric, which is out of the total 30 metric tonnes targeted for export under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCNER)-Phase 3 with the support of Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA), was held at Sanjenthong.

The marketing of the dry organic turmeric is done by Nahakpam Foods and Beverage (Freshies fresh), Imphal.

Speaking at the ceremony, minister Letpao Haokip pointed out that Horticulture and Soil Conservation department has been encouraging organic farmers so as to make Manipur an organic state.

They also initiate measures for facilitating marketing of their produces, he added.

The consignment of dry organic turmeric exported on Friday was cultivated by organic farmers from different places under the supervision of MOMA, he informed, while adding that the export of turmeric is a part of marketing activities taken up by MOMA.

"Why couldn't Manipur have the status of being an organic state when Sikkim becomes one", he posed.

Urging the people to help in making Manipur an organic state, Letpao assured of extending all possible help.

The minister also called upon all sections of the society to give up the practice of cultivation of poppy plants which is done in some areas of the hill districts.

Nahakpam Foods and Beverage chief executive officer Nahakpam Santa said that the company bought the dry organic turmeric from the farmers of Kangpokpi and Noney districts that are registered under MOMA.

The total 30 metric tonnes of turmeric cost around Rs 38 lakh, he informed, while adding that he marketed the produces after buying it from the farmers.

The flagging off ceremony was also attended by Horticulture and Soil Conservation director Honey Chara, additional director K Devdutta and other MOMA officials.

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