The Northern United Farmers Association, Imphal West, has appreciated the Agriculture Department for distributing improved seeds, including paddy varieties, and farm equipment such as spray pumps, but called for urgent measures to address Manipur’s irrigation and water-management crisis.
Speaking on the occasion, Joychandra Konthoujam said the benefits of quality agricultural inputs could not be fully realised without adequate irrigation facilities. He pointed out that while the Agriculture Department provides improved seeds, insufficient water supply through the Minor Irrigation system continues to affect cultivation.
He said farmers face a peculiar situation in which fields suffer from inadequate water during critical stages of cultivation but become severely waterlogged during periods of heavy rainfall. The lack of effective drainage and water-management infrastructure, he said, has made cultivation increasingly difficult.
Joychandra called for a new agricultural roadmap suited to Manipur’s high-rainfall conditions, arguing that the state must focus not only on providing irrigation but also on effectively managing excess rainwater.
He expressed concern over the destruction and obstruction of traditional ponds, streams and natural drainage channels. Such water bodies historically retained excess rainwater and helped regulate water flow, but many have been filled up or altered for construction and other activities.
According to him, the obstruction of natural waterways has contributed to water accumulating in agricultural fields and populated areas during heavy rain, causing damage and disrupting farming activities.
He urged the government to protect ponds, streams and traditional drainage channels and integrate their preservation into development planning.
Joychandra stressed that Manipur’s agricultural policy must reflect the state’s unique terrain and rainfall pattern. He said improving agricultural productivity would require not only better seeds and farm equipment but also reliable irrigation, effective drainage and scientific management of the state’s water resources.