SENAPATI, Nov 29: The Tribal Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (TICCI), Manipur Chapter, has urged the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur to endorse Kiwi and Persimmon cultivation as sustainable alternatives to illegal poppy and marijuana farming in the hill districts. A detailed representation outlining the proposal was submitted today at Raj Bhavan, Imphal.
Addressing the media, TICCI Manipur President N. Benjamin Tao said, “For five decades, the drug menace has destroyed our land, divided our communities, and robbed our youth of their future. It is time to replace destruction with development. Kiwi and Persimmon cultivation is not just an agricultural option—it is a pathway to peace, dignity, and sustainable livelihood for our farmers,” he said.
Tao stressed that Manipur’s hill districts possess ideal climatic and soil conditions for large-scale Kiwi and Persimmon farming. However, farmers require government-backed assurances to successfully adopt these high-value crops. “What our farmers need now is Government assurance—Minimum Support Price, technical support, and market access. If provided, thousands of families can shift from illegal cultivation to legitimate prosperity,” he added.
TICCI emphasized that illegal poppy cultivation has not only fueled addiction and violence but has also caused large-scale deforestation, soil degradation, and ecological imbalance. According to the organisation, its research teams have conducted extensive field visits and identified Kiwi and Persimmon as ideal long-term cash crops capable of transforming the economic landscape of the tribal hill regions.
The representation submitted to the Governor seeks:
- Introduction of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Kiwi and Persimmon
- Technical, financial, and logistics assistance for farmers
- Market linkage support and guaranteed procurement
- A long-term policy roadmap for shifting from illegal cultivation to sustainable horticulture
Tao concluded by emphasising that punitive measures alone cannot resolve the crisis. “We strongly believe that an alternative is the only solution. Destroying poppy fields without giving farmers hope will only repeat the cycle. TICCI stands ready to work hand-in-hand with the Government to make Manipur a drug-free, economically vibrant State,” he stated.
