Agriculture in Manipur is facing a grave threat as ongoing ethnic violence is preventing many farmers from tending to their fields, which could result in a food shortage in the northeastern state. According to N Gojendro, Director of the Department of Agriculture, farmers have been unable to cultivate approximately 5,127 hectares of agricultural land, resulting in a loss of 15,437.23 metric tonnes of food production as of June 28. If the situation does not improve soon, there will be further losses by the end of July.
To address this issue, the Department of Agriculture has prepared fertilizers and seeds that require a shorter harvest period and less water. However, it is essential for farmers to be able to cultivate paddy during the monsoon season to prevent further losses. Manipur has around 2-3 lakh farmers cultivating paddy on 1.95 lakh hectares of agricultural land, with Thoubal district having the highest yield per hectare in the state.
Farmers in the region are concerned that if farming is not carried out in full swing in all areas by the end of this month, there may be a shortage of locally grown ‘Meitei Rice’, leading to price rises next year. While some farmers in the outlying areas of Imphal are venturing into their fields despite fearing attacks from militants in nearby hills, many are refraining from farming during the peak season out of fear for their lives.
Thokchom Milan, a farmer from Moidangpokpi area in Bishnupur district, commented on the situation, stating that firing incidents on farmers from militants’ bunkers on hilltops have paralyzed paddy cultivation in the periphery of Imphal Valley. Milan and other farmers continue to work in their fields despite the fear, as not cultivating this year would lead to food shortages and higher prices of ‘Meitei Rice’ in the future.
Sabit Kumar, a farmer in Moirang Khunou in the same district, added that sowing and cultivation of the indigenous variety of rice takes place in June and July, with harvesting occurring five months later in November. The already challenging farming conditions have been further exacerbated by a deficiency in rainfall this year. Compared to the previous year when heavy rains flooded paddy fields in May, this year has seen less rain, with the scorching sun drying the ground and making cultivation difficult.
‘Meitei Rice’ requires a significant amount of water for cultivation and has high starch and carbohydrate content. To ensure the security of farmers during cultivation, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has deployed 2,000 state forces in sensitive areas for patrol and protection.
The ethnic violence in Manipur is undoubtedly impacting the agricultural sector, endangering food production and potentially leading to a food shortage in the state. It is crucial for measures to be taken to address the ongoing unrest and provide a safe environment for farmers to tend to their fields.
