Manipur, farmers cultivating black rice amidst tight security

Manipur, amidst tight security, farmers have started cultivating black rice, resulting in a loss of 15,437.23 metric tons so far. Amidst the deteriorating conditions in Manipur, the cultivation process of paddy has begun in the Talhauti area of Churachandpur district, Infal West. Security forces are providing protection to Meitei and Kuki farmers in the state. Farmers can be seen tilling their land amid stringent security measures.

During the sowing season, primarily the army and Assam Rifles personnel have been deployed for the security of farmers in Kangpokpi and Western Imphal districts. Kangpokpi and Western Imphal regions are known for 'black rice'. The presence of security personnel in these areas aims to ensure a safe environment for Meitei and Kuki farmers engaged in paddy cultivation, protecting them from ethnic violence. To prioritize the safety of farmers in the unrest-affected regions, approximately 2,000 security personnel will be deployed in the state.

After chairing a meeting of the Unified Command on Monday, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced that additional security personnel would be deployed in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, East Imphal, West Imphal, and Kakching districts to provide security for agricultural purposes. Due to ethnic violence in the state, the agriculture sector and farmers have been adversely affected. Experts have warned that if the situation does not improve, food production in the northeastern state will be impacted.

According to agricultural experts, farmers were unable to cultivate on approximately 5,127 hectares of agricultural land, resulting in a loss of 15,437.23 metric tons by June 28. If paddy cultivation cannot take place during this monsoon season, the losses are expected to increase by the end of July. It should be noted that in Manipur, around 200,000 to 300,000 farmers cultivate rice on 195,000 hectares of agricultural land.