March 4, 2025: Over 3,000 hectares of agricultural land, alone in Bishnupur District of Manipur, remained uncultivated due to aggression by the Kuki nomadic tribe since May 3, 2023, and as a fallout, the district alone has witnessed a shortage of over 800,000 bags of paddy, severely impacting the agrarian economy.
With a written plea to the Governor, the joint agricultural farmer group of the district, Moirang Kendra Apunba Loumee Shinmi Amasung Nupi Lup (MKALSANL), has urged Manipur Governor AK Bhalla to take urgent action to restore agricultural fields and provide compensation to farmers for the year 2024.
The farmers, facing a looming crisis, have yet to receive compensation for the losses sustained in 2023, further exacerbating the situation.
In the letter, expressing frustration over the lack of security for civilian life and property, despite the deployment of the army and paramilitary forces, the Secretary of the organization urges the Governor to ensure the safety of agricultural fields by deploying security personnel to protect farmers and prevent further attacks. The representation emphasizes that farming is the primary source of income for the majority of people in the state and requests immediate compensation for affected farmers who have already applied online for the year 2024.
The plea also calls for prompt action as the 2024 harvest season concluded in November, and many farmers are still awaiting relief.
PICTURE CREDIT : AGRIMANIPUR.GOV.IIN
