MLA Kimneo calls for making Saikul poppy free
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 16 2023: Saikul MLA Kim-neo Haokip Hangshing has called upon the people of her constituency to make Saikul assembly constituency free from poppy by supporting the government's War on Drugs campaign.

The MLA made the appeal during a one-day awareness programme for village chiefs on illegal poppy plantation and its impact held in Saikul town on Monday.

ICHAM and different organisations of Saikul area jointly organised the awareness programme.

Speaking on the occasion, the MLA pointed out that several poppy farms have been destroyed in Saikul area.

However, it is unfortunate to find more areas under the illegal practice recently.

Based on the latest finding and activities taken up in the past, it could be safely stated that around 80 per cent of poppy farms have been destroyed in the AC, Kimneo opined.

She also spoke on the negative impact of poppy plantation in the society as well as natural ecosystem of the state, and called for concerted efforts to root out the illegal practice from the constituency.

ICHAM advisor N Rajendro said that the illegal practice of poppy cultivation is a new issue in the state.

However, illegal practice carried out by a handful of individuals tarnish the image of a whole village or community.

One should pay heed to the saying 'ill gotten, ill spent' and understand that wealth earned through illegal practice of poppy cultivation will never bring anything good.

It will only destroy the future of the society, he cautioned, while calling for a resolute stand against the illegal practice.

Horticulture department's plant health clinic, officer in-charge Dr Roshan Dangmei, who attended the programme as resource person, spoke at length on impact of poppy plantation in the society and natural ecosystem.

Water scarcity and drug addiction are direct fallout of such illegal practice, which will lead to chaos arid degradation in the society, he said while emphasising on a united stand against poppy cultivation.

The resource person further said that one can opt for farming of profitable fruits like Kiwi and Avocado.

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