MLA bats for cash crops in hill areas
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 22 2023: Adoption of terrace farming and introduction of cash crops will help people in the hill areas earn sustainable income and bring development, said MLA Leishiyo Keishing.

The Phungyar AC MLA said this yesterday while speaking at the ongoing KLFO (Kham Lungpha Fraternity Organisation) general conference at Sorbung in Kamjong district.

Yesterday's event of the conference was marked as cultural day.

As the chief guest, MLA Leishiyo Keishing said the Chinese model of terrace farming should be adopted in the hill areas including Kamjong for bringing sustainable development.

The Government is for the people and its policy should reflect the aspiration of the people.

For sustainability, he said separate areas should be identified for practicing permanent terrace farming and afforestation.

He informed that a proposal has already been submitted to the Chief Minister in this regard.

The MLA further stated that afforestation should not be focussed only in the hill areas.

While encouraging afforestation in the hill areas, the Government should provide land for terrace farming also.

Encouraging people in the hills to not only plant trees while ignoring their traditional means and practices of earning income is not sustainable, the MLA said that planting trees alone can not sustain them.

Introduction of terrace farming and cash crops would sustain them, he added.

The MLA further hinted that firewood/lumber related businesses and activities are a main means of earning livelihood for the people in the hills.

There should be appropriate laws and policy on traditional practice for use of forest.

The present land holding system should be regularised, he added.

The MLA also noted that the villages in the hills are scattered causing hurdles in bringing development.

The people in the hills should come closer and settle together.

This way people would easily get all the basic amenities they need in one place, he said.

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