The agricultural crisis in Manipur has come under national spotlight after Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, MP from Manipur, raised Unstarred Question No. 4142 in the Lok Sabha, seeking government details on the scale of damage suffered by farmers due to the ongoing violence in the state.
In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare laid bare the heavy toll on the agrarian sector — a backbone of Manipur’s rural economy.
📊 District-Wise Impact on Agriculture
| Category | Figures Reported |
|---|---|
| Farmland left unutilized | 11,967.4 hectares |
| Foodgrain yield loss | ~27,269 metric tonnes |
| Farmers affected | 9,182 |
| Casualties | 11 (3 dead, 8 injured) |
Farmers Caught in Crossfire
According to the reply, ongoing violence has prevented farmers from cultivating large swathes of land, leading not only to loss of productivity but also threatening food security in the state. With nearly 12,000 hectares lying unused, the ripple effect could hit local markets, prices, and livelihoods for months to come.
The report also confirmed 11 casualties among farmers, underscoring the dangerous conditions under which many continue to attempt cultivation.
MP Bimol’s Intervention
Raising the issue, Dr. Bimol stressed that agriculture in Manipur is facing an existential crisis. He urged the Union Government to ensure emergency relief, compensation, and rehabilitation measures for affected farmers. His intervention brought rare parliamentary attention to the ongoing humanitarian and economic consequences of Manipur’s unrest.
What Lies Ahead
Experts warn that the loss of one agricultural season could have cascading effects, with displaced farmers facing rising debts and shortages of foodgrain supply adding to inflation pressures. The data highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions — from restoring security in farming zones to supporting displaced cultivators with seeds, tools, and compensation.
As Parliament debates, the fields of Manipur wait for normalcy, their silence reflecting both the human and economic cost of the violence.
