Churachandpur (Manipur) [India], July 29 (HBTV): Manipur's once-thriving agricultural lands now lie abandoned, reflecting the fear and uncertainty that have gripped farming communities since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.

Agriculture, which sustains over 60 per cent of the state’s population and contributes nearly 22 per cent to Manipur's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), is now severely disrupted due to the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Farmlands, once marked by cultivation and activity, have become buffer zones defined by barricades and insecurity.

In Ujungmakhong village, located in Churachandpur district, the impact of the crisis is stark. Farmers like Kaiminlien have been unable to access their land for nearly two years.

‘Today, I am planning to inspect my farmland. Since it's located in the buffer zone, I've been unable to cultivate it,’ he said.‘A lot of grass has taken over. The smaller weeds can be removed with herbicide. Up until now, we haven't received any assistance, which frustrates me greatly.’

The village, home to about 30 families, collectively owns approximately 15 hectares of land, all of which remains uncultivated due to the prevailing violence. The collapse of agricultural activity has left livelihoods in jeopardy and severely disrupted local food production.

Dr Thiyam Bharat Singh, Associate Professor at the Centre for Study of Social Inclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSI) at Manipur University, stated that more than 5,127 hectares of farmland have remained fallow for two consecutive years. ‘This has led to a loss of over 15,000 metric tonnes of rice,’ he said. ‘Such a drastic decrease in food production drastically impacts the GSDP. The ethnic conflict has undermined agriculture in Manipur, leading to a significant food shortage.’

Farmers on both sides of the buffer zone have found themselves unable to work their fields. These zones have turned from fertile ground into flashpoints of conflict, where farming is hindered not by environmental factors but by persistent threats to safety and stability.

With agricultural activities paralysed by violence and fear, Manipur’s farming heritage faces an existential threat. Unless peace is restored and urgent support is provided, thousands of farmers may continue to be trapped in this crisis, endangering not only their livelihoods but also the region’s long-term food security and economic stability.

(ANI)