Manipur CM N Biren Singh during the launch of Agar Plantation at Langol Reserved Forests on June 24, 2018. Photo: Sobhapati Samom

Manipur on Sunday launched Agar tree plantation at Langol Reserved Forest, Luwangshangbam in the outskirt of Imphal to provide alternative livelihood to poppy cultivators.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh formally launched the Agar tree plantation programme organized by the Forest department and Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC), Luwangshangbam.

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Speaking to media on the sideline of the function, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that Agar cultivation would provide a new ray of hope to the villagers for a sustainable economic development in the state.  He said it is an initiative to provide alternative livelihood to the villagers who had earlier practised poppy cultivation in the state.

Moreover, such plantation would also save the environment from further deforestation in the state, the chief minister added. Around three lakh Agar saplings would be planted across the state. Chief Minister sought the people’s support for the success of such initiative.

On the ‘Go to Village’ mission, Chief Minister said that most of the pending grievances have been addressed. The next ‘Go to Village’ camp would be held on June 26 across the state.

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Minister for Forest and Environment Th. Shyamkumar said that such initiative would also create awareness about the importance of the Agar cultivation, afforestation among the people of the state.

Deputy Speaker K Robindro Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest K Angami, officials of Forest Department and locals of Luwangshangbam attended the programme.