Manipur Govt discusses proposal on replacing illegal poppy cultivation with high-quality value crops

IMPHAL, Dec 29 (NNN): Amid the intensified drive against poppy cultivation in the hills, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Thursday convened a meeting on a project proposal of Horticulture and Soil Conservation department for alternative to jhum and taking up terrace cultivation in hill areas.
The chief minister discussed the proposal along with the officials of the concerned departments including Horticulture and Soil Conservation department and Forest department in the presence of Horticulture and Soil Conservation minister Letpao Haokip and Forest and Environment minister Th Biswajit Singh.
The meeting deliberated on replacing illegal poppy cultivation with high-quality value crops on jhum areas on an integrated approach and bringing a permanent replacement of illegal poppy cultivation, the chief minister wrote, in his Facebook page, after the meeting.
He further wrote that the meeting also discussed developing a permanent farming system through the construction of terraces which will enhance the income of farmers and improve the economy of hill villagers.