Cardamom to replace poppy in Senapati

Newmai News Network Imphal | July 2   Farmers in Senapati district are likely to stop reaping poppy harvest since the district administration is all set to introduce cardamom or Elaichi plantation as an alternative source of income.   Cardamom cultivation will be introduced in Paomata and Purul subdivisions of Senapati, The Sangai Express, an Imphal-based daily, quoted an official source Saturday. It said the district administration has begun selecting farmers for starting plantation of cardamom.   The new initiative, to be taken up under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), will ensure trouble-free market for the farmers. Towards that end, the district administration has tied up with the Commerce and Industries Department which will buy the produce.   Cardamom will be planted over 1000 acre of land in Paomata and Purul at the rate of one acre for each farmer without affecting forest areas in the first phase of the new initiative.

  The farmers and the district administration would first sign a memorandum of agreement before the cultivation takes place. This type of cultivation would be introduced in other parts of the district too if the first initiative proves successful.   Cardamom is known as Elaichi in India. It is an ingredient in traditional Indian desserts and other dishes for the lovely aroma and strong flavor it impart. It is the world's third-most expensive spice. Some important factors for cultivating poppy in the remote hilly areas of Manipur are cited as fertile soil, vast economic disparity and availability of cheap labour.



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