IMPHAL, May 23 (DIPR): IFCD and YAS Minister Shri Letpao Haokip has urged village chiefs and farmers of 41-Chandel AC involved in poppy cultivation to switch their occupation to other alternatives like lemon grass cultivation and different farming practices like banana, black and yellow turmeric cultivation.
IFCD/YAS Minister Shri Letpao Haokip, who is also MLA of 41-Chandel AC, was addressing village chiefs and CSO leaders of his constituency today at the conference hall of Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak.
The Minister assured all concerned from his end for the promotion of livelihood diversification by improving access to farm and off-farm income-generating activities on farmers dependent on poppy cultivation. He urged the village chiefs to lease their land to farmers for profitable agriculture and horticultural activities other than poppy cultivation.
Besides strongly advocating lemongrass cultivation as a viable alternative to poppy cultivation, the Minister also encouraged the farmers to take up activities which have relatively higher return like rearing livestock.
Some village chiefs, during the meeting, raised strong voice about the need for holistic, integrated response that addresses the various factors that drive farmers to cultivate poppy.
Shri Letpao Haokip also announced sops to the villagers including electrification of un-electrified villages, providing banking and internet facilities to all areas of the AC within five years.
He also promised the gatherings to set up primary health sub-centres at interior areas, improve all the link roads, enhance drinking water supply schemes, and other infrastructural development like construction of community halls in all areas.
About 220 chiefs and CSOs’ leaders attended the programme. (DIPR)
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