Manipur to launch digital agriculture in 2025: Officials

The Manipur government is set to revolutionize its agricultural sector by introducing digital agriculture from this year, aiming to enhance efficiency and data-driven policymaking.

This significant initiative was announced by Peter Salam, Director of Agriculture, during an interaction with media persons at the launch of the State Krishi Mela. The event, organized by the Department of Agriculture, was held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.

Speaking about the upcoming project, Peter Salam stated that digital agriculture would facilitate the structured documentation of landholding patterns across the state. The initiative aims to collect comprehensive data, including the extent of land under cultivation, the types of crops being grown, past cultivation trends, and projected crop cycles. The system will also monitor changes in land use, enabling a deeper understanding of agricultural dynamics.

“The collected data will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, scientists, and agricultural institutions, ensuring informed decision-making for the benefit of farmers,” Salam said. He emphasized that the initiative will help in framing better policies and identifying challenges faced by the farming community.

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Addressing concerns about the present condition of the agricultural sector in Manipur, he noted that agriculture remains the backbone of the state's economy despite ongoing conflicts. Currently, 53% of Manipur's population is engaged in agriculture, which contributes approximately 25% to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). He acknowledged that certain agricultural lands have been affected by conflict, but assured that the government has provided compensation to affected farmers to help them sustain their livelihood.

Regarding the State Krishi Mela, which commenced today, Salam described it as an annual event aimed at bringing farmers, scientists, and agricultural experts together on a common platform. The event seeks to enhance farmers’ knowledge of modern agricultural practices, innovations, and technology. This year’s fair features around 40 stalls showcasing diverse agricultural products, with the participation of approximately 200 progressive farmers.

The initiative marks a forward step in integrating technology with agriculture, paving the way for a more resilient and data-driven farming ecosystem in Manipur.