In an effort to address illegal poppy cultivation in Manipur’s hills, the state’s forest department is actively working to replace poppy fields with bamboo groves, according to Anurag Bajpai, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of Manipur. Speaking to the media during an event in Imphal, Bajpai highlighted the ongoing initiatives to curb the extensive cultivation of poppy in the region. He stated that the department plans to initiate bamboo planting in the areas where poppy plants are eradicated.
Bajpai noted that between 2024 and 2026, bamboo cultivation will take place across 645 hectares of land previously used for poppy farming. He emphasized the economic benefits of bamboo, calling it a highly valuable industrial plant. Promoting bamboo cultivation over poppy, he believes, will significantly support local economies.
Furthermore, Bajpai mentioned that the forest department is diligently surveying and monitoring illegal poppy cultivation in forest and hillside areas. He reported that until last year, around 17,000 hectares of poppy plants had been destroyed, and data collection for the current year is ongoing.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/efforts-on-to-replace-poppy-fields-with-bamboo-groves-in-manipur-official/articleshow/125843926.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-12-09 00:09:00
