News Reporter
Satellite Imagery Reveals 60% Drop in Opium Poppy Farming in Manipur
In a remarkable achievement, the northeastern state of Manipur has made significant strides in its relentless battle against the scourge of opium poppy cultivation. A satellite imagery-based report by the Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MARSAC) has revealed a staggering 60% decline in the area under opium poppy cultivation over the three-year crop cycle period from 2021 to 2024.
This monumental feat has been hailed by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the people of Manipur in supporting the state government's resolute War on Drugs campaign. Singh emphasized the collective determination to eradicate the menace of drugs, particularly to safeguard the youth and the future of the state.
Taking to social media, the Chief Minister celebrated this milestone, highlighting the concerted efforts invested in strengthening the War on Drugs campaign. The MARSAC report underscores the effectiveness of these initiatives in curbing the cultivation of opium poppy across Manipur.
The data presented in the report paints a promising picture, revealing a drastic reduction in opium poppy cultivation across various districts of the state. Districts like Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Senapati, once hotbeds of such cultivation, have witnessed a remarkable decline in opium poppy farms.
According to the figures, in the 2021-22 crop season, the total area under opium poppy cultivation stood at a staggering 28,599 acres. However, in the following year, 2022-23, this figure plummeted to 16,890 acres, marking a substantial 40% decrease in just one year.
The district-wise breakdown provided by MARSAC further illustrates the scale of the decline:
Kangpokpi: From 5,407 acres (2021-22) to 3,049 acres (2022-23)
Churachandpur: From 4,063 acres (2021-22) to 1,729 acres (2022-23)
Senapati: From 4,053 acres (2021-22) to 1,454 acres (2022-23)
Other districts, including Chandel, Kamjong, Ukhrul, Tengnoupal, Noney, and Tamenglong, have also witnessed a substantial reduction in opium poppy cultivation, reflecting the broad impact of the state's anti-drug initiatives.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Manipur government and its people in combating the menace of drug cultivation and abuse, paving the way for a safer and more prosperous future for the state.