From campus to compost: How a Manipur botanist is driving the organic farming push in state

At a time when concerns over soil degradation and health risks linked to excessive chemical fertiliser use are gaining national attention, a homegrown agripreneur from Manipur is quietly leading an organic farming movement—one sack of compost at a time.

Paonam Dipjoy Mangang, a 40-year-old botany graduate from Langjing Achouba Awang Leikai in Imphal West, has emerged as a key advocate for organic fertilisers in the state through his venture, “Eikhoigi Organic.” What began five years ago as a modest experiment with vermicompost has now grown into a sustainable enterprise, reflecting the rising acceptance of organic alternatives among farmers and home gardeners alike.

Speaking to India Today NE, Dipjoy said his venture initially focused on producing vermicompost using cow dung, rice husk and earthworms. As awareness grew and customer demand diversified, Eikhoigi Organic expanded its product range to include liquid organic fertiliser, mustard seed-based manure, and other organic inputs. To meet nutrient requirements not locally produced, the venture also imports specialised organic fertilisers such as seaweed manure and bone meal.

Manipur continues to face a high rate of educated unemployment due to the absence of large private and corporate industries. The COVID-19 pandemic further aggravated the situation, forcing several small businesses—the backbone of the state’s economy—to shut down. Dipjoy himself was among those affected.

“I completed my graduation in Botany and post-graduation in Mass Communication. I was working in animation and video production, but the pandemic made it unsustainable,” Dipjoy recalled. “Instead of waiting, I shifted to vermicomposting, driven by my academic background and passion for gardening.”

Starting with an investment of just ₹10,000 in 2021, Dipjoy faced nearly two years without customers. Lack of awareness and deep-rooted dependence on chemical fertilisers made adoption slow. However, gradual shifts in consumer behaviour—especially among urban residents—changed the tide, compelling him to expand both his manufacturing unit and storage capacity.

The surge in kitchen gardening, driven by health concerns and limited access to fresh produce, has played a crucial role in the venture’s growth. From vegetables grown in sacks and polybags to flower and fruit gardening as a leisure activity, demand for organic inputs has steadily increased.

“My target customers are home and kitchen gardeners. Producing organic fertiliser for large farmlands is still a challenge in Manipur due to lack of infrastructure and difficulty in collecting raw materials,” Dipjoy explained.

He noted that while vermicompost sufficiently meets nitrogen requirements, crops such as fruits and flowers need phosphorus and potassium—nutrients that are harder to source organically in the state. As a result, locally produced vermicompost dominates the market, while other nutrient-rich organic fertilisers are imported.

Beyond business, Dipjoy has also taken on the role of a grassroots trainer. He has trained residents from rural areas including Saiton, Mayanglangjing, Khumbong, Kumbi and Ngairangbam in vermicompost production. Many of them have since started their own units, selling their produce through Dipjoy’s outlets at Langjing and Sagolband Bijoy Govinda.

Currently, Eikhoigi Organic sells around 8,000–9,000 kilograms of vermicompost every month, along with 300–400 bottles of liquid fertiliser. Daily sales range between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000. The venture directly employs four regular staff members and supports another 8 to 11 individuals through production tie-ups, depending on demand.

In addition, Dipjoy manufactures compost bins for households keen on processing organic waste at home—an initiative aimed at promoting organic farming from the grassroots, beginning with individual households.

Despite receiving no government support so far, Dipjoy remains optimistic. “When people are determined and consistent, money follows automatically,” he said.

 

(The story has been produced under the Award in Scientific Journalism Programme of CAU, Imphal. For further details, please contact Dr Indira Thounaojam, Information & Publicity Officer, CAU Imphal, at prmmcell@gmail.com)