Imphal: Manipur's Agriculture Department is pushing new initiatives to lift farm productivity and promote sustainable practices. Director of Agriculture Peter Salam detailed the plan during a press meet held by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations. He stressed the need for balanced nutrient application. "Peter Salam cautioned farmers against excessive use of urea, stressing that balanced fertiliser application based on Soil Health Card recommendations is essential for maintaining soil health and improving productivity."
The department is subsidizing equipment to modernize operations. Small and marginal farmers can get a Rs 10,000 subsidy on water pumps under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. This covers drip and sprinkler systems. Officials also set up 170 urea distribution centers that moved 1,54,400 bags of fertilizer this season. Farmers should also buy into the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to protect against crop loss from pests, disease, or natural disasters.
Nine locations now serve as Model Villages to show off scientific techniques. These include Basikhongba Chanam Santrok, Sangaithel, Langmeidong Mamang Makha Heibi Makhong, Moirang Khunou VDF Camp, Keirenphabi Mamang Loukol, Gularthol, Lenglong, Saranamei, B. Salvaphai, and Nungbi Khullen. Each gets shared machinery worth Rs 40 lakhs plus drones priced at Rs 5,00,000. Families can tap into grants for vermicompost units, farm ponds, bee boxes, and seeds.
Sustainable farming is the goal. Tests on 25 hectares during Kharif 2025 boosted yields by 480 kg per hectare by mixing bio-fertilizers with chemicals. The department expanded this to 116 hectares for 2026-27. Natural farming now hits 4,000 hectares across all 16 districts, with plans to add 10,000 farmers and 4,000 hectares soon. The Manipur Seed and Organic Agency now handles certified seed production for crops like mustard and soybean. Meanwhile, work continues on an Integrated Processing Unit at Lamphelpat to bolster marketing for black rice, known as Chakhao.
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