Imphal: Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, on Wednesday launched Hopegrown – Black Rice, a unique brand initiative of the Kangpokpi District Administration, at Lok Bhavan, Imphal.
The initiative enables displaced families in Kangpokpi to rebuild their lives through sustainable farming, transforming resilience into livelihood. Each harvest not only provides income security but also restores dignity and self-reliance among affected families.
During the launch, the Governor directed the officials present to study and replicate the initiative in other districts, adapting it to local conditions and resources to benefit displaced and vulnerable communities. Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary – Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Secretary to the Governor, and DC – Kangpokpi were present during the brief launch program.
A Lok Bhavan communique stated that Hopegrown – Black Rice is one of the unique traditional rice varieties of Manipur, which provides not only nutraceutical benefits but also plays a significant role in the socio-cultural practices of all communities in the state.
The state has a comparative advantage in the cultivation of black rice compared to other crops. It fetches the highest market price among rice varieties grown in the state.