AIM, Japanese teams discuss poppy menace with Governor
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 19 2022: Along with two representatives from Japan, a delegation of Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIM) called on Governor La Ganesan on Tuesday and discussed about working out alternative measures to replace widespread poppy plantation in the state.

During the discussion, Alternative Plant for Opium Poppy, Sendai, Japan chairman Yukata Agatsuma assured of extending all possible help in making Manipur self-sustainable by planting economically viable plants just as other plants have replaced poppy plantation in Myanmar.

The AIM delegation led by director Atom Sunil Singh also submitted a memorandum containing points to replace poppy cultivation in Manipur by alternative plants to the Governor.

Sharing details of the discussion that the AIM delegation had with the Governor, Sunil told The People's Chronicle that opium-poppy is one of the biggest issues being faced by Manipur and AIM had conducted a one-day international workshop regarding the issue on February 16, 2020.A report of the workshop which found out that poppy plantation not only abets narco-terrorism, health hazard and soil degradation but also becomes a threat to India's national security was also submitted to the Governor, he said.

According to Sunil, time has come for planting economically viable plants in hill areas of Manipur instead of poppy cultivation while Alternative Plant for Opium Poppy, Sendai, Japan which serves as Asia's supporting organisation in this regard has offered to extend all possible help.

Japan based organisation's chairman Yukata Agatsuma also assured the Governor of offering help in this regard.

According to Sunil, Yukata Agatsuma had stayed in Myanmar for more than 30 years and was able to replace poppy plantation in the military ruled country by economically viable plants like Korean Ginseng and fruits.

Yukata also shouldered immense responsibility in distancing Myanmar people from drugs and selling produces of Myanmar farmers to Japan.

In the same manner, poppy plantation in Manipur could be replaced with plantation of medicinal herbs and fruits and this would enhance economy of farmers, Sunil added.

The delegation also included Green Private Limited, Tokyo director Teruaki Watanabe.

The company works in agriculture and consultancy service and is keeping its eye on doing business with states of North East India, Sunil said, adding that Watanabe suggested to the Governor to enact a concrete policy for ending poppy plantation in hills of Manipur and ensuring plantation of economically viable plants by the farmers.

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