Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, July 4:
The Manipur Tribal Indigenous Farmer Committee (MTIFC) has made a heartfelt appeal to the state government, urging urgent intervention and sustained support for farmers in the hill districts of Manipur. Highlighting the daily challenges faced by the rural hill population, the committee emphasized that nearly 90 percent of the hill people depend solely on agriculture and its allied sectors for their livelihood.
Speaking to the media, MTIFC Publicity Secretary Benjamin Mahung said, “Living in the hills with zero support from the government has pushed us into a state of despair. The continuing neglect and lack of basic agricultural infrastructure have made life unbearable for many.”
The committee pointed out that, despite being the backbone of Manipur’s agrarian economy, farmers in the hill areas have been deprived of essential government schemes for decades. Mahung stated that vital sectors like minor irrigation, inner village roads (IVR), and village link roads remain grossly underdeveloped, making access to markets and resources difficult.
He further lamented that the government currently provides only about 5% fertilizer support, mainly for cabbage cultivation in foothill villages, despite the region having rich virgin soil ideal for diverse farming. “Water is essential for agriculture and horticulture, yet even basic irrigation support is missing,” Mahung added.
MTIFC stressed the importance of organic farming and its link to the health of the people and athletes in the state. With Manipur being recognized as India’s ‘Sports Powerhouse’ and the Centre establishing the first National Sports University in Imphal, Mahung questioned how the state can expect sporting excellence when the food consumed is largely imported and often chemically laced.
He stated, “If our food isn’t clean and natural, how can our athletes remain healthy and perform at their best? We must shift focus to natural and organic farming to ensure a sustainable diet for our sportspersons.”
Drawing attention to the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), he urged the Manipur government to align its FY 2025–26 planning with this national priority by supporting local farmers with modern scientific tools, exposure trips, and access to markets.
Mahung concluded by calling upon all elected MLAs to rise above party lines and support farmer welfare for the holistic growth of both hill and valley regions. “Just like two sides of a coin, the hill and valley must grow together. Only then will Manipur truly develop,” he said.