Bamboos grown in erstwhile poppy field under NBM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, April 30 2025: The rise in illicit poppy cultivation has emerged as a significant threat to society.

Effectively addressing the challenge of opium and poppy production in the district requires the provision of economically viable alternatives for farmers who have, until now, remained excluded from the state's development initiatives.

The readily available land in the district's hilly terrain has facilitated widespread poppy cultivation, particularly in areas such as Makuilongdi and Mao-Pungdung hill ranges.

In December 2024, a joint operation involving the Forest Department, Police Department and other law enforcement agencies led to the destruction of vast tract of illicit poppy fields across the district.

Bamboos grown in erstwhile poppy field under NBM

The need to provide alternative livelihoods for farmers engaged in poppy cultivation, along with broader goals of economic development and addressing poverty and inequality, has become a pressing concern for all stakeholders.

In response, the District Forest Department has introduced a targeted intervention aimed at addressing these complex challenges.

Under the initiative themed "Rehabilitation of Poppy Areas with Bamboo Plantation under the National Bamboo Mission", the department is promoting sustainable development, equitable wealth distribution and the well-being of local communities.

On Wednesday, in the presence of the SDO/Paomata-cum-BDO/Willong, Police Department officials from Senapati, and residents of Makuilongdi village, the Senapati Forest Division successfully carried out bamboo plantation activities in over 6 hectares of area in the Makuilongdi hill range.

While addressing the media at the plantation site, Senapati DFO Shanngam S, cautioned all concerned that poppy is an illegal crop and its cultivation is strictly prohibited under the law.

He expressed confidence that the bamboo planted would serve as a sustainable alternative, helping to divert communities away from illicit activities.

The bamboo is expected to become harvest-ready within 2-3 years, potentially providing a steady source of income and contributing to long-term economic resilience.

Angam Rongmei, chairman of Makuilongdi Rongmei village, thanked Shanngam S, Lolee Leshiini Kriibve Mao (RFO Karong), and staff of the Karong Range for their continued support in making the initiative a success.

He also noted that prior commitments regarding rehabilitation had often failed to materialise, and urged the authorities to ensure sustained support for villagers' livelihoods in the future.

In addition to Makuilongdi, a similar bamboo plantation activity was carried out on the same day at Mao-Pungdung village, covering an area of over 3 hectares.

Earlier, on April 22, 2025, another mass plantation drive was conducted at Kapao Hill Range under the same programme.