Imphal: The Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, has outlined a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the State’s horticulture sector through organic farming, better market access, value addition and modern infrastructure along with achievements and future plans during the latest edition of the “Meet the Press” programme, at the DIPR auditorium on Friday.
K. Debadutta Sharma, Director, Horticulture & Soil conservation, Government of Manipur,said the initiatives are aimed at improving farmers’ income while positioning Manipur as a leading organic horticulture state and its major focus is the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), which now covers 43,000 hectares and benefits 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 ₹15,000 each through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), along with quality planting materials, organic fertilisers, bio-pesticides and farm implements.
To improve the horticulture 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 three cold rooms.
He further expressed that 17,563 hectares have already been certified for organic cultivation. Nearly 26,900 training and capacity-building programmes have also been organised under MOVCDNER during 2016-2026.
The Director further added that, promoting Manipur’s unique indigenous products remains a major priority. Chakhao (Black Aromatic Rice), Tamenglong Orange and Sirarakhong Hathei (Chilli) have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, while the Organic Manipur brand has been launched to increase demands and visibility.
Marketing has also expanded through seven organic retail outlets across India and one outlet at Ajman in the United Arab Emirates. Around 25 products are being prepared with international barcodes for export. The Department has facilitated the marketing of more than 1,000 metric tonnes of Chakhao, 700 metric tonnes of pineapple, 600 metric tonnes of turmeric, 5 metric tonnes of avocado,10 metric tonnes of Kiwi fruit,500 metric tonnes of ginger, 5 metric tonnes of dry King Chilli outside the state and abroad.
Debadutta further informed that support has been extended to local entrepreneurs, including Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd., which established Manipur’s first tetra-pack fruit juice processing unit under the LIKLA brand. MOMA has also received national recognition through awards, including honours at the Jaivik India Awards and organic food exhibitions.
Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) during 2025-26, the Department established 18 nurseries, expanded fruit plantations over 525 hectares and promoted hybrid vegetable cultivation across 1,900 hectares. Farmers also received assistance for mushroom production, protected cultivation, water harvesting structures, bee boxes, tractors, power tillers, sprayers, solar crop dryers, pack houses and marketing infrastructure, besides regular training and exposure visits.
He further stated that, under the Per Drop More Crop component of PM-RKVY, micro-irrigation systems have been developed over 324 hectares. The Department has also distributed 685 diesel pump sets and supported the construction of 115 farm ponds to improve water availability.
The Department is implementing on the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to protect horticulture farmers against crop losses. Around 1,000 farmers have been enrolled under the scheme since 2021, with nearly 500 receiving compensations. Efforts are underway to expand insurance coverage to more crops and farmers.
Sharma further stated that the Department is promoting diversified livelihoods through the Manipur Beekeeping and Honey Mission, expansion of makhana cultivation and a ₹4 crore Integrated Farming Project at Huishu village in Ukhrul district, integrating horticulture, livestock, fisheries, agro-forestry and beekeeping.
To reduce post-harvest losses, the Department has established 11 cold storage facilities across different districts under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and State-funded schemes. Financial assistance has also been extended through the State-funded Corpus Fund for Market Intervention to farmers affected by hailstorms and heavy rainfall, besides supporting the marketing and transportation of horticultural produce outside the State.
Concluding the briefing, Director K. Debadutta Sharma said the Department has proposed several future initiatives, including a Model Integrated Horticulture Centre, a Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Mao, a National Institute of Indian Lotus (NIIL), pilot projects for introduction and expansion of Coffee Cultivation,Floriculture units, 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 opportunities and further strengthen Manipur’s organic horticulture sector.
Lenin Khwairakpam(Deputy Director), P.Pramo Devi (SC), I.Dineshkumar Singh (Sr. A. O), N.Sunil Singh (Deputy Director, Horticulture), Aribam Ponika Devi (Deputy Director Hoticulture), Y.Koireng (Addl. Director), R.Ruth (EE), Chungong Pamei (Mission Director, MIDH), Dr. U. Supriya Devi (Agriculture Officer Horticulture), CNJS Arangbam M (Agriculture Officer, DHSC), AK. Somorjit AO (Sc), were the other officials present during the press conference.
