IMPHAL, June 24 - Government of Manipur today launched Agar tree (Agarwood) plantation in the State as a substitute for poppy plantation.
In recent times, the State Government has destroyed more than Rs 128 crore worth of poppy plants which were cultivated in different parts of the State. The joint operation teams of the Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB), security forces, district administration and volunteers have destroyed 1,837 acres of poppy plantations at 36 locations in the State this year alone which were worth about Rs 128 crore.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said today that Agar (Agarwood) cultivation would provide a new ray of hope to the villagers for a sustainable economic development in the State. Singh said this at the launching of �Agar Tree Plantation in Manipur� at Langol Reserved Forest, Luwangshangbam in north Imphal. The programme was organised by Forest Department and Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC), Luwangshangbam.
Briefing the media persons, the Chief Minister said that it is an initiative to provide alternative livelihood to the villagers who had earlier practised poppy cultivation in the State. Moreover, such plantation would also save the environment and from further deforestation, etc., in the State, he added. Around three lakh Agar saplings would be planted across the State. The Chief Minister sought the people�s support for the success of such initiative of the government.
Mentioning about the �Go to Village� mission, the Chief Minister said that most of the pending grievances have been settled. The next �Go to Village� camp would be held on June 26 across the State.
Manipur Minister for Forest and Environment Th Shyamkumar said that such initiative will also create awareness about the importance of Agar cultivation and afforestration among the people of the State.
Manipur Deputy Speaker K Robindro Singh, PCCF and HoFF K Angami, officials of Forest department and locals of Luwangshangbam also attended the tree plantation.
