Ukhrul: Awareness programme and seminar on “Alternative Livelihood To Poppy Cultivation In Ukhrul District” was held at Multi Purpose Hall, Mini Secretariat Complex, Ukhrul. Organised by District Administration of Ukhrul, the two day long awareness programme and seminar that kickstarted on 8 August 2023 concluded today.
Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Kengoo Zuringla expressed gratitude to resource persons and villagers who attended the awareness programme.
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“With the coming of Covid, our agricultural activities came to a standstill. Many people took to poppy cultivation. However, poppy cultivation has brought many untold miseries such as mass deforestation, water contamination, drug addiction, miscarriages, other diseases and killings. We must ensure a safe and secure environment for the future coming generation. What legacy are you going to leave for your children ? A place infested with pests and insects? A place scarce of drinking water due to the large scale of deforestation? A place full of environmental disorders and issues? Let us create an alternative that is a better and desirable place for the future generations to live and continue to exist in harmony with nature even in the days to come” stated Kengoo Zuringla.
SP of Ukhrul, Ningshem Vashum stated that it is a known fact that poppy cultivation is illegal but still people are continuously into this farming. “I should say the authority has been very lenient, in a ‘warning mode’ in the past years. But this year it is likely to be different. Challenging the rule of law would be suicidal for everyone. Convey this message to everyone. Take this as an appeal and at the same time as a stern warning. We don’t want you to suffer the rest of your life by rotting in jail. Let us not gamble or take chances in this kind of illegal activity.”
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SP of Ukhrul, Ningshem Vashum also said “there are people who are promoting poppy cultivation for their selfish interest. But I appeal to all of you to reconsider before taking those illegal steps.”
DFO of Ukhrul, Shanngam Shallow stated that “extend of poppy cultivation in Ukhrul District is about 2341.2 hectares in area. There are no alternative activities at present to compensate for the revenue which is generated by cultivation of poppy except, we have to reconsider knowing that it is illegal and harmful to society. Agricultural crops require heavy maintenance and it would be difficult to cultivate crops at the area where poppy cultivation is being carried out since it is taken up at unreachable and high terrain. Poppy cultivators are requested to take social responsibility in bringing the state of forest like that existed before the cultivation of poppy.”
Yirmeila Zimik, Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy) of ICAR-KVK, Ukhrul asked the gathering “Would you really plant or grow apple, banana, avocado etc in the rough hill terrain where poppy cultivation is being taken up? Because mostly the poppy cultivation is being taken up at the hilly peak and rough terrain and far away from the community settlement where there is no excess to motor vehicles. As an alternative to poppy farming, let us start farming medicinal plants like Paris polypylla, Citronella spp, Zingiber cassumunar roxb etc apart from other horticulture products which require less maintenance and also generates more income. Medicinal plants are in great demand in the market.”
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Power point presentation was made by Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission, Ukhrul. DMM of Ukhrul, Horeisung Khamrang highlighted the flagship programme under MSRLM, livelihood activities under MSRLM and sector and trades taken up under MSRLM.
The programme was attended by Chiefs and Secretaries and leaders from Tangkhul and Kuki villages under Ukhrul District. ADM Ukhrul, Nimmi Awungshi Khamrang, Additional SP Ukhrul, Ringthing Hongchui, ADC/ADM and SDO/BDO Jessami, P. Duna Duo and DLOs of Ukhrul also attended the awareness programme.
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