Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The Manipur Government has announced that alternative farming schemes aimed at providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and discouraging illegal cultivation are currently in the final stages of processing in Kangpokpi district.
This was stated by the District Collector and Chairperson of NCORD, Mahesh Chaudhari, IAS, during a NCORD committee meeting held on Wednesday at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kangpokpi.
Chaudhari briefed the attendees on the actions undertaken by the district administration and allied agencies to combat drug abuse, trafficking, and the consumption of tobacco and alcohol in the district.
Kangpokpi district has been identified as a major hub for illicit poppy cultivation in Manipur, reporting the largest area under illegal cultivation in the state during the 2023–24 period, with approximately 4,322 acres (17.49 sq km).
Security forces, including the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, CRPF, and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), have intensified their “War on Drugs” campaign through frequent destruction drives.
Based on reports from early 2025 to May 2026, while thousands of acres of illegal poppy cultivation have been destroyed in Kangpokpi district, the number of arrested individuals (cultivators) remains relatively low compared to the scale of destruction, as many often flee before raids.
During the meeting, the Chairperson reiterated that the primary objective of NCORD is to strengthen coordinated efforts against substance abuse and illegal trafficking.
He reviewed reports submitted by the State Police, BSF, CRPF, and other concerned departments regarding their ongoing initiatives and future action plans aimed at curbing drug-related activities and reducing substance abuse in the district.
He also commended the efforts of the District Police, CRPF, BSF, and other security forces for their dedicated service and urged them to maintain strict vigilance.
The Chairperson further requested the CEO (SH-ADC) and the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) to conduct regular inspections and closely monitor areas around schools to ensure that no tobacco or related products are sold in their vicinity.
The central forces also requested the Chairperson’s assistance in tracking and destroying illegal plantations in hilly areas through the use of chemical-spraying drones, to which he assured full cooperation and necessary action.
Additionally, he informed the meeting that proposals related to alternative farming schemes are in the final stages of processing, aimed at providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and discouraging illegal cultivation in the district.