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Imphal, August 7, : (DIPR): : The Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, on Friday unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the state’s horticulture sector through organic farming, improved market access, value addition, and modern infrastructure.
Briefing the media during the latest edition of the “Meet the Press” programme at the DIPR auditorium, Shri K. Debadutta Sharma, Director of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, said the initiatives are aimed at increasing farmers’ income and positioning Manipur as a leading organic horticulture state.
Major Focus on Organic Farming
The Director highlighted that the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) is the flagship programme, now covering 43,000 hectares and benefitting an equal number of farmers across the state.
Under the scheme, 76 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) have been formed to strengthen collective farming and marketing. Farmers have received Rs.15,000 each through DBT, along with quality planting materials, organic fertilisers, bio-pesticides, and farm implements.
So far, 17,563 hectares have been certified for organic cultivation. The Department has also organized nearly 26,900 training and capacity-building programmes under MOVCDNER between 2016 and 2026.
To strengthen the value chain, the Department has established 126 collection centres, 98 input delivery units, 22 warehouses, 64 transport vehicles, 82 processing units, 14 vermicompost units and 3 cold rooms.
GI-Tagged Products and Brand “Organic Manipur”
Promoting indigenous products remains a key priority. Chakhao (Black Aromatic Rice), Tamenglong Orange, and Sirarakhong Hathei (Chilli) have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags. The “Organic Manipur” brand has also been launched to boost demand and visibility.
Marketing has expanded with seven organic retail outlets across India and one in Ajman, UAE. Around 25 products are being prepared with international barcodes for export. The Department has facilitated the sale of over 1,000 MT of Chakhao, 700 MT of pineapple, 600 MT of turmeric, 500 MT of ginger, and other crops including avocado, kiwi, and dry King Chilli outside the state and abroad.
Local entrepreneurs have also received support. Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd. established Manipur’s first tetra-pack fruit juice processing unit under the LIKLA brand. MOMA has won national recognition, including honours at the Jaivik India Awards.
Infrastructure and Farmer Support Under MIDH & PM-RKVY
Under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) 2025-26, the Department set up 18 nurseries, expanded fruit plantations over 525 hectares, and promoted hybrid vegetable cultivation across 1,900 hectares. Assistance was also given for mushroom production, protected cultivation, water harvesting, bee boxes, tractors, power tillers, solar crop dryers, and pack houses.
Under the Per Drop More Crop component of PM-RKVY, micro-irrigation was developed over 324 hectares. The Department also distributed 685 diesel pump sets and supported construction of 115 farm ponds.
To protect farmers, 1,000 farmers have been enrolled under PMFBY since 2021, with nearly 500 receiving compensation. Coverage is being expanded to more crops.
Diversification and Post-Harvest Management
The Department is promoting diversified livelihoods through the Manipur Beekeeping and Honey Mission, expansion of makhana cultivation, and a Rs.4 crore Integrated Farming Project at Huishu village, Ukhrul, integrating horticulture, livestock, fisheries, agro-forestry and beekeeping.
To reduce post-harvest losses, 11 cold storage facilities have been set up across districts under SASCI and state schemes. Financial assistance has also been extended through the Corpus Fund for Market Intervention to farmers affected by hailstorms and heavy rainfall.
Future Plans
Concluding the briefing, Director Sharma outlined future initiatives including a Model Integrated Horticulture Centre, Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Mao, National Institute of Indian Lotus (NIIL), pilot projects for coffee and floriculture, mushroom development programmes, additional Organic Manipur outlets, and a dedicated seed and organic certification agency.
He added that sustainable horticulture-based livelihood programmes will also be promoted in poppy-affected areas to provide alternative income and further strengthen Manipur’s organic sector.
Senior officials including Shri Lenin Khwairakpam, Deputy Director, Smt P. Pramo Devi, Shri I. Dineshkumar Singh, and Mission Director MIDH Shri Chungong Pamei were present during the press conference.
