Manipur: Opium poppy cultivation down by 60 per cent, says CM

Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh hailed a significant victory in the state's fight against opium poppy cultivation.

A report by the Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MARSAC) based on satellite imagery revealed a staggering 60 per cent decline in the area dedicated to poppy cultivation over three years (2021-2024).

This achievement, attributed to the public's support for the government's War on Drugs campaign, reflects the collective determination to eradicate this menace and protect the state's youth, according to Singh.

The Chief Minister, writing on social media, highlighted the success and the dedicated efforts that strengthened the War on Drugs campaign. MARSAC's report confirms the effectiveness of these initiatives in curbing poppy cultivation across Manipur.

The data shows a sharp decrease in poppy cultivation across several districts, including Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Senapati, which were previously known hotspots.

The total area under poppy cultivation dropped from 28,599 acres in 2021-22 to 16,890 acres in 2022-23.