Combating the Poppy Menace: An In-Depth Look at Manipur's Multi-Pronged Approach

Poppy plantation is the cultivation of opium poppy, a plant that produces latex from which various narcotic drugs such as opium, heroin and morphine are derived. Poppy plantation is illegal in India under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, but it is still widely practiced in some parts of the country, especially in the northeastern state of Manipur.

Manipur is one of the most conflict-ridden states in India, with a history of insurgency, ethnic violence and human rights violations. It is also one of the most affected states by drug abuse and HIV/AIDS epidemic. According to the Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), Manipur contributes nearly eight per cent of India's total HIV/AIDS cases, mainly due to intravenous drug use among injecting drug users (IDUs). Drug abuse has become a serious concern that has gripped every faction of society, including youth and children. Sometimes even officials and politicians are found involved in drug trafficking and corruption.

One of the main sources of drugs in Manipur is illicit poppy cultivation that has been increasing rapidly over the past decade. Poppy plantation is mostly concentrated in the hilly areas of Manipur, populated by Scheduled Tribes (STs), who constitute about 41 per cent of the state's population. The major districts where poppy cultivation takes place are Ukhrul, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Kamjong, Churachandpur and Tengnoupal. According to a study by NAB (Narcotics and Affairs Border), a unit under Manipur Police, the total area under poppy cultivation in different hill districts can be roughly estimated to be 6,000 acres in 2017-18. The yearly eradication drives by government agencies often destroy around 10 per cent of the total cultivated crops, which is negligible compared to the scale of production.

Poppy cultivation provides an easy source of income for many poor farmers who face food insecurity and lack alternative livelihood opportunities. A kilogram of opium can fetch up to Rs 40,000-50,000  depending on its quality and demand. Many farmers who are dependent on opium for earning their livelihood are not even aware that it is illegal. Their only concern is to earn enough for their well-being and their children's education.

However, poppy cultivation has many negative consequences for society and environment. It fuels drug addiction among local people as well as outsiders who come to buy or consume drugs. It also increases crime rates such as thefts, robberies and murders related to drug trade. It exposes farmers to legal risks such as arrest or imprisonment if caught by law enforcement agencies. It degrades soil fertility and biodiversity due to slash-and-burn agriculture practices used for clearing land for poppy plantation. It also contributes to deforestation and climate change due to loss of forest cover.

The government of Manipur has launched various initiatives to curb illicit poppy cultivation and provide alternative livelihood options for farmers. One such initiative is the 'War on Drugs' campaign that was launched earlier this year by Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The campaign aims at destroying all poppy crops across the state with the help of security forces such as NAB (Narcotics Affairs Border), Assam Rifles (AR) , Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) , Indian Army etc., along with civil society organizations such as All Tribal Chiefs Forum (ATCF) , All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) etc.

Another initiative is the alternative farming system for poppy planters that was launched recently by Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The alternative farming system aims at providing financial assistance , agricultural inputs , training , marketing support etc., for cultivating other crops such as ginger , turmeric , pineapple , banana etc., instead of poppy. The alternative farming system will benefit 'jhumias' or poppy planters from nine districts namely Churachandpur , Pherzawl , Noney , Tamenglong , Senapati , Kangpokpi , Ukhrul , Kamjong , Tengnoupal and Chandel.

The Manipur government has been implementing a multi-pronged strategy to combat poppy cultivation, including eradication of poppy fields, alternative livelihood options for poppy farmers, awareness campaigns, and law enforcement measures.

One of the major initiatives undertaken by the government is the establishment of alternative livelihood options for poppy farmers. The government has been promoting the cultivation of alternative crops such as vegetables, fruits, and spices. The state has also launched several schemes to provide financial assistance, training, and marketing support to farmers who switch to alternative crops.

In addition, the government has been actively involved in creating awareness among the farmers about the adverse effects of poppy cultivation. The government has been organizing workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the negative impact of poppy cultivation on their health, society, and environment.

Moreover, the government has been taking stringent measures to eradicate poppy fields. The state has set up special task forces to identify and destroy poppy fields. The task force comprises officials from various departments, including police, revenue, and forest. The government has also been collaborating with the central government agencies, such as the Narcotics Control Bureau, to strengthen its anti-poppy drive.

Apart from these initiatives, the government has been taking measures to strengthen law enforcement agencies to curb the illegal trade of poppy and its derivatives. The government has been setting up special courts to expedite the trial of poppy-related cases. The state police have been provided with advanced equipment, training, and resources to effectively tackle the issue.

The government has also been working in partnership with various international agencies, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to address the problem. UNODC has been providing technical assistance, training, and financial support to the state to combat poppy cultivation and the illegal trade of opium and its derivatives.

Despite the government's efforts, the problem of poppy cultivation persists in the state. The reasons behind this are manifold, including poverty, lack of alternative livelihood options, and inadequate law enforcement measures. Therefore, it is crucial that the government takes a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of poppy cultivation.

The Manipur government's initiatives to tackle the problem of poppy cultivation are commendable. The government's multi-pronged strategy, including alternative livelihood options, awareness campaigns, and law enforcement measures, has yielded positive results in the state. However, sustained efforts and cooperation among various stakeholders are needed to completely eradicate poppy cultivation and its illicit trade from the state.