Phaknung farmer shows the way with integrated fanning
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 14 2025: Lairenlakpam Imocha, a Phaknung resident, exemplifies the phrase "hard work pays off as he earns Rs 6-7 lakh annually through diverse farming systems.

Started with poultry and taro (yendem) farming, Imocha's business has grown, creating jobs for local youth.

He is a recipient of different awards including Best Farmer Award of Imphal East in 2022 at Kishan Mela.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, Imocha said Manipur can become self-reliant if unemployed youth use their land and resources productively instead of waiting for Government jobs.

He said he engages in integrated farming, including poultry and vegetable cultivation.

Imocha elaborated that he rears over 1,000 broiler chickens in seven batches annually and maintains 250 layer chickens (PV 380 variety) that produce an average of 200 eggs daily.

Imocha said that he also sells chicks.

Continuing that he uses chicken waste, cattle manure, and vermicompost as natural fertilizers for his cash crops, he said that leftover crops post-harvest, on the other hand, are used as feed for his egg-laying chickens.

Saying that he plants crops year-round, growing taro, cucumber, and brinjal in summer, and potato, cauliflower, cabbage, pea, and broccoli in winter, Imocha added that he also plants potatoes, peas, and mustard after each harvest.

Further stating that he plants vegetables after paddy harvest on leased paddy fields too, Imocha added that he currently cultivates vegetables in around 20 sangam (a local unit of measuring land) of paddy land with some local youth.

Imocha said that he hasn't taken a single loan and only invested the money he earns as capital to expand his business.

Imocha said that he makes Rs 6,00,000 to 7,00,000 a year.

Comment