Awareness drive and seasonal seeds distributed to dissuade poppy growers in Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, May 07 2026: As part of the ongoing "War on Drugs" campaign, the District Horticulture & Soil Conservation Departments of Ukhrul and Kamjong, under the aegis of the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul, organised a three-day awareness programme-cum-distribution of seasonal seeds to dissuade poppy growers in Ukhrul district.

The programme held from May 5 to 7 was conducted in collaboration with the Sub-Divisional Officer, LM Block, and Sub-Divisional Officer, Ukhrul, with the objective of encouraging farmers to shift from illegal poppy cultivation to sustainable cash crops and vegetable farming.

During the awareness campaign, District Horticulture and Soil Conservation Officer of Ukhrul and Kamjong, W Rangsan Koireng, educated farmers on the urgent need to replace illegal poppy cultivation with alternative crops that could provide sustainable income and benefit society as whole.

Extension Officer of the Agriculture Department, Ukhrul, Lungsem Luira, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the harmful impact of puppy cultivation on society and explained various alternative livelihood initiatives introduced by the State Government for the long-term welfare of poppy growers.

During interaction sessions, the farmers urged the Government to provide high-value cash crops such as blueberry, avocado, persimmon, saffron, etc to help improve the rural economy and ensure better livelihood opportunities.

The villagers also expressed gratitude to the Government for the initiative of supplying vegetable seeds free of cost directly to their villages.

As part of the programme, seasonal seeds including cabbage, French bean, tomato, lady's finger, cucumber, soybean and groundnut were distributed to farmers from Phalee, Sihai Khullen, Sihai Khunou, Khamasom Valley and Khamasom Phungthar villages.

Altogether, 120 poppy growers received seeds for plantations covering around 120 hectares of land.

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