CM launches 'alternative' to poppy plantation
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, June 10 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh launched a new scheme "Cultivation of Horticulture Crops as an Alternative to Poppy Cultivation in Hill Areas" under War on Drug 2.0, today.
He also launched a brand called Manifresh.
Manifresh is a combination of words derived from the word 'Manipur' and fresh horticulture products of the State and its products include both fresh and processed horticulture products.
The launching programme was organised by the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation at its office complex at Sanjenthong.
Speaking at the occasion, N Biren maintained that the Government will give maximum efforts to root out drug menace from the State.
Continuing that the Government has no enmity with anyone or any community, he stated that the War on Drugs campaign was launched to conserve forest areas, uproot poppy cultivation and stop drug trafficking and abuse.
The Chief Minister informed that altogether 355 farmers from Kangpokpi, Kamjong and Ukhrul districts who used to cultivate poppy to make ends meet had been provided alternative sources of livelihood.
He then asked officials concerned to reach out to the people, specially in remote areas and make them aware of the ill effects of poppy cultivation as well as about the initiative being taken up by the Government to end it.
He also appealed to the officials concerned to conduct camps at different places and provide saplings and seeds to the farmers.
Saying that the people have been extending support to the War on Drugs campaign, the Chief Minister asked the farmers to not worry about marketing as the 'Government has a provision to buy back their produces and set up cold storage facilities at many places.
N Biren further stated that TRIFED is committed to transform the lives of tribals in India.
Stating that over 400 Self Help Groups had been formed in the State employing around 50,000 tribal women mainly on fruit processing, N Biren continued that many outlets have also been opened in other States to sell their produces.
The Chief Minister recalled that the State Government had provided Rs 10 lakh to the locals of Peh Village for uprooting poppy plantation in their areas and added that around 130 locals of Peh had been benefited under Phase-III of "Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region" (MOVCDNER) .
Delivering his speech, Horticulture and Soil conservation Minister Letpao Haokip stated the State Government under the supervision of Chief Minister N Biren Singh has started providing saplings of high value and nutritional crop varieties to the farmers.
Continuing that the Government would provide saplings and buyback certificates to the farmers, he stated that the farmers need not worry about marketing.
The Minister appealed to the public to avail the opportunities being provided under various welfare programmes of the Government.
Later, the Chief Minister flagged off vehicles carrying planting materials for distribution to the farmers of five districts - Chandel, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Ukhrul.
Additional Chief Secretary (Horticulture and Soil Conservation) P Vaiphei, Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Honey Chara, Project Director of Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) K Devadutta Sharma, farmers and other officials also attended the programme.
The State Government had taken up a multi-pronged approach through inter-departmental efforts to provide alternative sources of livelihood to poppy cultivators with a sustainable integrated farming system.
A sum of Rs 400 lakh has been earmarked for the year 2022-23 to provide alternative livelihood to poppy cultivators.
Comment
