Several districts of Arunachal have been plagued for decades by widespread cultivation and consumption of opium resulting in many socio economic problems. In an attempt to wean cultivators from opium, the state government over the recent past has given huge push to alternative cash crops to stem the problem.

Once having the dubious distinction of being the largest producer of opium in the state, concerted effort saw Anjaw district taking to cultivation of large cardamom in a big way. With a financial turnover of nearly 12 crore during the financial year 2010-11, many locals gave up opium and turned to growing this much-sought after spice.

However, recent report where farmers have cited poor marketing and lack of government support for produce comes as a shock. Progressive farmers in Anjaw are openly rattled by the lack of support from the department of horticulture. They also feel the existing low prices might force them into a cultivation which they tried to give up.

Large cardamom the prime alternative crop to opium has been at the receiving end due to negligence of the government. In the year 2015 and 2016 cardamom prices soared up to Rs 2000-Rs 1500 and farmers received exceptional price encouraging them to cultivate large cardamom and vast Anjaw hills were completely brought under its cultivation. Unfortunately, since 2017 the prices of cardamom has drastically fallen to Rs 250- Rs 280 per Kg, this is an account of a farmer of Borfu in Hayuliang circle.

What do you make of this?

Kiwi is another cash crop which has been pushed to check opium cultivation but after the initial thrust farmers are on their own.

Government has often talked about weaning opium growers but if reports are anything to go by, it has obviously faltered are giving farmers the handholding that they need most.

Indigenous Arunachalee society has had a long association and accessibility with intoxicants, be it in the form of local wine, opium etc. In olden days they were grown for personal consumption but presently most cultivators who are women carry on the legacy due to the commercial perks and to sustain families. In this context, alternate livelihood generation must be a prime focus to curb the trend rather than just issuing directives and destroying standing fields.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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