IT News
Imphal, May 31,
Joupi region of Chandel district, Manipur is one the most underdeveloped areas in Manipur owing to its remoteness, mountainous terrain and inclement weather lasting a prolonged monsoon season.
Due to these factors, the local populace has always depended predominantly on the cultivation of the Poppy Plant.
With perseverance and a dogged determination, 29 Assam Rifles has been able to motivate the populace to shun poppy cultivation and embrace lemon grass instead.
Accordingly, the villagers have pledged to cultivate lemon grass as an alternate means of livelihood. Towards this end, Brigadier Neelesh Bhanot, SM, DIG HQ 28 Sector Assam Rifles distributed lemon grass saplings to five villages of Joupi, Saibol Joupi, Tolbung, Hencham and T Bollen yesterday. A total of 2 Lakh saplings were
distributed to the villagers.
“The event went a long way in showing the population the involvement and dedication of the Assam Rifles towards providing an alternate sustainable livelihood option to the Hill people. More such initiatives are planned in the aftermath to fight the all-pervasive illicit poppy cultivation in the area”, an IGAR South statement said.
