Natural farming gains momentum in Manipur's Kangpokpi as experts warn of ecological crisis

A growing shift towards sustainable agriculture is taking shape in Manipur’s Sadar Hills, as experts and community leaders called for urgent adoption of natural farming practices to counter the ecological damage caused by chemical-intensive agriculture.

The call was made during a one-day workshop on natural farming held at Oasis College in Kangpokpi, where participants warned that continued environmental neglect could lead to severe soil degradation, water scarcity, and long-term public health risks.

The programme brought together grassroots organisations, agricultural experts, and students, and was organised in collaboration with Oasis College, Ka-Inn Neocha, THRIVE, InSIDE North East, and Khankho Integrated Rural Development Society (KiRUDES). The discussions focused on promoting natural farming as a sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural practices.

Addressing the gathering, senior diplomat and environmental advocate Gautam Mukhopadhaya stressed the urgency of transitioning to chemical-free agriculture, stating that it is no longer optional but essential. He cautioned that excessive reliance on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides has already begun to degrade soil biodiversity and contaminate water sources, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health.

The first technical session, led by experts including V. Krishna Rao and Mogal Humayun from Andhra Pradesh’s RySS initiative, introduced participants to the principles of natural farming based on Andhra Pradesh Community Natural Farming (APCNF). They explained that the approach focuses on enhancing soil microbiology and natural nutrient cycles, thereby eliminating the need for external chemical inputs.

Key practices such as Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS), the “Any Time Money” (ATM) model for small farmers, and diversified income strategies were highlighted as effective tools to improve soil health, increase water retention, and boost farmers’ incomes. Experts also pointed out that such models could provide sustainable alternatives to environmentally harmful practices like illicit poppy cultivation.

Speakers noted that modern agricultural methods have pushed soil systems to a critical threshold, and reviving microbial life is essential for restoring ecological balance. They added that natural farming can help build resilience against climate variability, a growing concern in hill regions like Kangpokpi.

The second session, led by Michael Suantak, explored the role of artificial intelligence and information and communication technology (ICT) in agriculture. Demonstrations included the use of AI-based tools for plant identification, multilingual communication, and digital learning, highlighting their potential to support farmers in remote and linguistically diverse communities.

Participants emphasised that the environmental challenges in hill districts are closely linked to unsustainable land use and called for stronger policy support, community engagement, and scaling up of natural farming initiatives.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices and position Sadar Hills as a model region for sustainable farming in the Northeast.