Farmers taking up alternative farming in Manipur

Farmers in Manipur's Thoubal District are now shifting from traditional farming to alternative farming to earn more profits from their produce.

Hodam Ratan Singh, a progressive farmer of Chandrakhong Village, is growing different varieties of capsicum.

He has been engaged in farming since 2005 after completing graduation.

In less than an acre of land, he set-up a poly-green house and started planting capsicum saplings worth Rs.10000.

Now, he grows different varieties of capsicum including green, yellow, red and purple ones.

"I directly market my product as there is high demand of capsicum in hotels. I am not able to fulfill their demand so I mostly supply it in a market. I started growing only green capsicum but recently shifted to other varieties and colors," Singh said.

"Here, in Chandrakhong, we were the first ones who started planting different kind of seeds so many people asked us how to plant and what kind of seed we are plating so, I taught them how to plant and what kind of seeds we are growing," his wife added.

Ratan Singh produces some 1,400 kilograms of capsicum in a season and earns over a lakh of rupees. He supplies capsicums not only to the market but directly to many hotels as well.

In the recent years, the demand for capsicum has gone up in the state.

Chaoba Devi, a vendor, said, "We sell it for Rs. 120 to Rs. 130 per kg. I am earning profit because new hotels, fast food outlets are coming up in the city. So, the demand is increasing."

The climatic condition in Manipur is conducive to cultivation of varieties of capsicum and other vegetables.

Many farmers like Ratan Singh are shifting to alternate farming in Manipur to earn good profits.