Koukha farming steps in to boost farmers' income

Taorem Bishwajit
IMPHAL, Dec 24 : As India sets its sights on becoming a 30 trillion dollar economy by 2047, the agriculture sector is poised to play a crucial role in achieving this target.
In Manipur, too, various agricultural institutions are partnering with progressive farmers to help reach this National goal and one such initiative is the promotion of arrowhead (koukha) farming.
Some experts told The Sangai Express that planting arrowhead crops in fields rendered unproductive due to frequent flooding or other factors could significantly boost farmers' incomes and contribute to strengthening the National economy.
They also expressed the need for institutions such as CAU, ICAR, and others to collaborate with farmers in promoting arrowhead farming in the State.
Ngangom Rajen, a farmer, stated that the arrowhead crop is well-suited to Manipur's soil and planting it could significantly improve farmers' economies.
Having grown arrowhead crops for the past 10 years, he shared that he used to plant rice as well but arrowhead farming has proven to be more profitable for him.
Rajen also mentioned that he could easily earn over Rs 1 lakh per lourok (a local unit of measuring land) from arrowhead farming after deducting all expenses.
Apart from the tubers, farmers can also sell the stem cuttings of arrowhead crops, he said, noting that he earns over Rs 1 lakh annually just from selling them.
He suggested that farmers plant arrowhead crops in fields that are often inundated.
There is a strong market for arrowhead crops, he said, noting that their market value is high in Manipur due to consistent demand.
Saying that the productivity of arrowhead farming cannot be determined in advance, similar to other crops, Rajen expressed desire for research institutions and agriculture experts to help farmers better understand the cultivation and potential of arrowhead farming.
Prof Leitam Nabachandra of the Department of Agronomy at the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Iroishemba, said that arrowhead crops can be planted without fertilizers and excessive management.
Saying that there is a strong market for arrowhead both in Manipur and outside the State, he emphasised that arrowhead farming holds great potential in Manipur, especially considering the changing climate.
He also said that arrowhead and paddy crops can be cultivated together but this practice is not widely adopted in Manipur, as it requires additional knowledge and effort.
He stated that planting arrowhead crops alone on one hectare of land can yield about six tonnes, whereas intercropping with rice can produce approximately 3-4 tonnes.
In intercropping, arrowhead crops should be harvested after the rice, Prof Nabachandra said.
Saying that they have been working to promote arrowhead farming in Manipur, he  noted that farmers in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur have begun cultivating arrowhead crops commercially given the potential it holds.
The story is written under the Award in Scientific Journalism Programme of CAU, Imphal.
For further details, please contact Dr Indira Thounaojam, Information & Publicity Officer, CAU Imphal, at [email protected]