The Manipur Horticulture Department highlighted achievements under flagship schemes, including organic farming, GI products, export promotion and infrastructure development, while outlining future plans to strengthen the state's horticulture sector.
Imphal, August 7: The Manipur Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation on Friday outlined its long-term strategy to strengthen the state's horticulture sector through organic farming, value addition, market expansion and modern infrastructure, while highlighting the achievements of several flagship schemes aimed at improving farmers' livelihoods.
Speaking at the latest edition of the "Meet the Press" programme organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Director K. Debadutta Sharma said the department is working to position Manipur as a leading organic horticulture state by expanding certified organic cultivation, strengthening farmer collectives and creating better market linkages for horticultural produce.
MOVCDNER covers 43,000 hectares
Sharma said the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) remains the department's flagship programme, covering about 43,000 hectares and benefiting an equal number of farmers across the state.
Under the scheme, 76 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) have been established to promote collective production and marketing. Farmers have received Rs 15,000 each through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), along with quality planting materials, organic fertilisers, bio-pesticides and agricultural implements.
The department has also developed infrastructure to strengthen the organic value chain, including:
126 collection centres
98 input delivery units
22 warehouses
64 transport vehicles
82 processing units
14 vermicompost units
Three cold rooms
According to the Director, 17,563 hectares have already been certified for organic cultivation, while nearly 26,900 training and capacity-building programmes have been conducted under MOVCDNER between 2016 and 2026.
GI-tagged products and export promotion
The department is also focusing on promoting Manipur's indigenous agricultural products.
Sharma said Chakhao (Black Aromatic Rice), Tamenglong Orange and Sirarakhong Hathei (King Chilli) have secured Geographical Indication (GI) status, while the Organic Manipur brand has been introduced to enhance product visibility and market access.
Marketing networks have expanded through seven Organic Manipur retail outlets across India and one outlet in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Around 25 products are also being prepared with international barcodes to facilitate exports.
Both within India and overseas, 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
500 metric tonnes of ginger
10 metric tonnes of kiwi fruit
5 metric tonnes each of avocado and dried King Chilli
Sharma also highlighted support extended to local entrepreneurs, including Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd., which established Manipur's first tetra-pack fruit juice processing facility under the LIKLA brand.
He added that the Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) has received national recognition through honours at the Jaivik India Awards and other organic food exhibitions.
MIDH and irrigation support
Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) during 2025-26, the department established 18 nurseries, expanded fruit plantations across 525 hectares and promoted hybrid vegetable cultivation over 1,900 hectares.
Support has also been provided for mushroom cultivation, protected farming, water harvesting structures, bee boxes, tractors, power tillers, sprayers, solar crop dryers, pack houses and marketing infrastructure, besides regular training and exposure visits for farmers.
Sharma said the Per Drop More Crop component of PM-RKVY has enabled micro-irrigation facilities across 324 hectares. The department has also distributed 685 diesel pump sets and supported construction of 115 farm ponds to improve irrigation and water availability.
Crop insurance and diversified livelihoods
The department is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for horticulture farmers. Since 2021, around 1,000 farmers have been enrolled under the insurance scheme, with nearly 500 beneficiaries receiving compensation for crop losses.
Efforts are also underway to diversify rural livelihoods through the Manipur Beekeeping and Honey Mission, expansion of makhana cultivation, and a Rs 4 crore Integrated Farming Project at Huishu village in Ukhrul district, integrating horticulture, livestock, fisheries, agro-forestry and beekeeping.
To minimise 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 support has also been extended through the Corpus Fund for Market Intervention to assist farmers affected by hailstorms and heavy rainfall, besides facilitating transportation and marketing of horticultural produce outside the state.
Future roadmap
Looking ahead, Sharma said the department has proposed several new initiatives, including establishing a Model Integrated Horticulture Centre, a Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Mao, a National Institute of Indian Lotus (NIIL), pilot projects for coffee cultivation, expanded floriculture and mushroom development programmes, additional Organic Manipur retail outlets, and a dedicated seed and organic certification agency.
He added that sustainable horticulture-based livelihood programmes would also be promoted in poppy-affected areas to provide alternative income opportunities while strengthening Manipur's organic agriculture sector.
Several senior officials of the department, including Deputy Directors, Agriculture Officers, engineers and the Mission Director of MIDH, attended the press briefing.
