Imphal: The Northern United Farmers Association based in Imphal West wants a new agricultural roadmap for Manipur. They thanked the Agriculture Department for giving out better seeds and spray pumps. Now they need more. Crops are failing because the current minor irrigation system fails to deliver water when it counts.
Joychandra Konthoujam spoke about the struggle. He noted that, "the benefits of quality agricultural inputs could not be fully realised without adequate irrigation facilities." Farmers endure a brutal cycle. Fields go thirsty during dry spells but turn into swamps during heavy rains. The lack of proper drainage makes farming a constant gamble.
Traditional ponds and streams are vanishing. People fill them in for construction or block them off entirely. These natural channels once managed the overflow. Now, water has nowhere to go but into fields and neighborhoods. The government must stop this destruction and integrate environmental protection into all future building projects.
Officials need to shift their focus. Better seeds help, but they are not a cure for poor infrastructure. The state must stop relying on outdated methods. Konthoujam pushed for a scientific approach that honors the unique terrain and rainfall patterns of the region. A new plan must prioritize reliable irrigation alongside effective drainage to keep farms productive.
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