Churachandpur Forest Division distributed agroforestry and livelihood support items to poppy-affected villages to promote sustainable income alternatives.
Imphal, May 26: The Churachandpur Forest Division on Tuesday organised a programme on “Alternative Livelihood Interventions & AgroForestry Support Targeting Poppy-Affected Villages” at the Division Office in Churachandpur district.
The initiative was aimed at promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities and reducing dependency on poppy cultivation in vulnerable villages across the district.
The programme was attended by Arun R.S., IFS, Conservator of Forests, Southern Circle, and Abhijith K.V., IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Churachandpur. Officials, frontline forest staff, village representatives and residents from several poppy-affected villages also took part in the event.
As part of the programme, livelihood and agroforestry support materials were distributed to beneficiaries from villages including G. Monglian, Suangkuang, Haopi Mollen, T. Joujang and Thinghangjang, along with fringe villages located near the Dampi Reserve Forest.
The distributed materials included chicks and poultry feed, ducklings and feed, ginger, groundnuts, potatoes, fruit-bearing saplings and tall hybrid mango seedlings. Officials said the support was intended to help villagers adopt alternative income sources through farming, horticulture and allied activities.
Speaking during the programme, Arun R.S., IFS, encouraged the participating villages to work towards becoming model villages for the state and beyond. He stressed the importance of community participation in forest conservation and urged villagers to adopt sustainable and environment-friendly livelihood practices.
Abhijith K.V., IFS, said the Forest Department remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities through meaningful livelihood interventions and agroforestry initiatives. He said such programmes are intended to strengthen both environmental protection and rural livelihoods.
Following the programme, Arun R.S. visited Sagang Range and inspected the nursery there. He also attended a similar programme organised for fringe villages of the Dampi Reserve Forest, where he interacted with villagers regarding livelihood support measures and forest conservation initiatives.
Officials said the programme forms part of ongoing efforts to encourage long-term livelihood alternatives in areas affected by poppy cultivation while promoting community involvement in forest protection.
