Manipur Destroys Over 19,000 Acres of Illegal Poppy Cultivation Since 2017

IMPHAL: The Manipur government has cleared 19,135.6 acres of illegal poppy cultivation across 12 districts, according to a study utilizing remote sensing and GIS technology.

A study conducted by the Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre under the Planning Department using data from the Narcotics and Affairs of Border wing of the state police highlighted substantial progress in tackling illegal cultivation.

The Kangpokpi district experienced the most widespread eradication, with 4,454.4 acres cleared, followed by Ukhrul at 3,348 acres and Churachandpur at 2,713.8 acres. Other affected districts included Tengnoupal, which lost 2,575 acres; Chandel with 1,982.5 acres; and Senapati at 1,682 acres.

The report also noted a notable reduction in poppy cultivation over the years. In 2021-22, nine districts recorded 28,598.91 acres under cultivation, which dropped to 11,288.1 acres by 2023-24. Between 2023 and 2024, poppy cultivation decreased by 32.13% compared to 2022-23.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal poppy cultivation in a recent post on X, emphasizing ongoing efforts to combat the issue.

Meanwhile, earlier in October, after the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 and the ethnic turmoil in Manipur since May 2023, illegal drug-related activities and smuggling into the country’s northeastern region increased, officials stated on Friday, stressing the need to enhance vigilance and action to curb the drug menace.

Meghalaya Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh remarked that the ethnic unrest in neighboring Manipur had caused a rise in drug trafficking in the mountainous state. “This was an unfortunate aspect due to our region’s strategic location and proximity to the ‘Golden Triangle,’ where drug menaces were active,” he told the media.

The Minister, who also held the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Departments, noted that because of the unrest in Manipur, the illicit drug trade had shifted from that area to Meghalaya, becoming a major challenge for the government.

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