In a major push toward sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture, the Manipur Agriculture Department has launched an ambitious plan to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and promote natural farming across the state. As part of this initiative, 25 farmer clusters have been identified in nearly all districts of Manipur to pioneer the shift.
Speaking to the media, Agriculture Department Director Peter Salam said the department aims to implement natural farming practices over more than 1,000 hectares of land this year. To support this transformation, awareness and hands-on training camps are being held to educate farmers on the benefits and techniques of using bio-fertilizers instead of chemical inputs.
Progress is already visible in paddy fields of Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal districts, where 25 percent of urea use has been replaced with bio-fertilizers. Salam stated that the department is targeting a 50 percent replacement by next year.
The initiative marks a significant step in ensuring long-term soil health, reducing environmental impact, and improving the sustainability of farming practices in Manipur.
