Indigenous farming method begins to find takers

Taorem Bishwajit
Imphal, Mar 1 : Many farmers in Manipur have shifted to farming methods rooted in indigenous technical knowledge, moving away from practices that rely heavily on chemicals.
This growing trend is driven by a desire for sustainability and a healthier, more eco-friendly approach to agriculture.
Notably, the Government of India, through its Back to Basics initiative, has been actively promoting the National Mission on Natural Farming to reduce expenditure on chemical inputs and preserve soil health.
One such farmer embracing this technique is Lairenlakpam Imocha from Phaknung in Imphal East.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Imocha expressed his belief that agriculture based on indigenous technical knowledge can undoubtedly be successful.
Saying that he was an English teacher at a private school for 16 years before embracing farming as his profession, Imocha shared that he initially started with poultry farming.
He mentioned that he began thinking about how to avoid wasting poultry manure, which eventually led him to start planting crops.
Imocha said that he used poultry and cattle manure as fertilizer to grow taro (yendem) in the initial stage, which enabled him to earn extra income while actively engaging in poultry farming.
Saying that he started integrated farming by planting taro and coriander together, Imocha shared that he continues to practice integrated farming to this day, growing different seasonal crops throughout the year.
He said that he avoids using chemicals because he doesn't want the food he grows to be harmful.
Even during infestations, Imocha said that he uses eco-friendly methods to manage the situation in a more sustainable way.
The farmer said that he uses paddy straws instead of plastics during mulching.
Saying that he practices intercropping and relay cropping to maximize resource efficiency, Imocha added that he plants cucumber, brinjal, taro, and lady's finger in the summer and grows crops like potato, cauliflower, peas, broccoli, onion, and garlic in the winter. He said that his vision is to keep his farm green throughout the year.
As India aims to become a developed Nation by 2047, Imocha said that the Government needs to reach out to every farmer to promote agriculture based on indigenous technical knowledge and reduce expenditure on farm inputs.
He said that some farmers from his locality have started adopting the same farming methods as him after seeing his success.
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]