Farmer in Khangabok Leads Double Cropping Effort, But Infrastructure Challenges Persist  

Reported by Sheikh Abas & Yaiphabi Wahengbam

Farmers of Khangabok Soi Loukol, located south of the Arong River in Thoubal district, have successfully adopted double cropping, planting an early-harvestable Rabi season rice crop across 50 pari of agricultural land. This local initiative has sparked hope for food self-sufficiency and rural economic revival in Manipur, especially amid growing concerns over food security and instability in the state.

The agricultural push, driven by early planting of Rabi rice, is a significant development in an area where the dependence on food imports has long been a concern. Farmers are now striving for sustainability by embracing innovative farming practices tailored to the current needs of the region. However, despite their efforts and initial success, serious infrastructural shortcomings continue to hinder long-term progress, prompting calls for government intervention.

N. Janan Singh, a farmer from Khangabok Part I who played a pioneering role in this initiative, recounted the motivations that led him and others to begin early Rabi cultivation. “With the current crisis situation of the State, we feared food shortages. So we began double cropping. I’ve been doing this for three years now, and seeing my success, many others followed. It’s encouraging to see farmers take up this crop and succeed,” he said.

According to Janan, the benefits of early cropping extend beyond individual gain, symbolizing a wider shift toward community resilience. “This is a step towards economic independence, but farming isn’t easy—we need water, and the dam here is in poor condition. It hasn’t been maintained by the authorities. The farmers are managing it themselves using wooden planks,” he added, calling on the government to take responsibility for the upkeep and repair of this vital infrastructure.

The dam in question is a critical water source for paddy fields in the region. However, with no regular maintenance from concerned authorities, the burden has fallen squarely on the shoulders of local farmers, who are using makeshift solutions to divert water to their fields.

Laishram Deben, another local farmer engaged in the initiative, highlighted the broader importance of the effort. “Double cropping in Khangabok isn’t just good for us—it can be a model for the entire state. If Kharif crops fail, Rabi crops offer a backup. But we need proper infrastructure,” he stated.

Deben voiced frustration over the ineffective operation of the Thoubal Multipurpose Project, commonly known as the Mapithel Dam, which was originally meant to support agriculture and irrigation needs across the valley. “It’s disheartening to see such a big project not benefit the people. If the dam worked properly, paddy fields in Khangabok could adopt large-scale double cropping. We produce and harvest more crops in the Rabi season than in the Kharif season. On average, we harvest 30% to 35% more during Rabi season. In a single Rabi harvest through double cropping, we could produce crops worth ₹4 to ₹6 crore,” he said.

The lack of adequate government support, Deben said, adds to the financial strain on already burdened farmers. “Fuel for pumping water is our biggest expense. The government should provide subsidised diesel or petrol, electricity lines for irrigation, fertilisers, and quality seeds. In fact, Rabi crops often yield more than Kharif. If we really want to improve the economy, the government must focus more on Rabi season crops and farmer needs,” he added.

Farmers also highlighted that electricity connectivity for agricultural purposes remains limited across several parts of the region, compelling them to depend on expensive fuel-powered pumps for irrigation. This, coupled with inadequate support for essential inputs such as quality seeds and fertilizers, continues to constrain their agricultural productivity and overall potential.

Despite ongoing challenges, the farmers of Khangabok remain committed to their work. Their efforts demonstrate not only resilience but a clear vision for a more self-reliant and food-secure Manipur.

As N. Janan Singh aptly stated, “We’re doing our part—all we ask is that the government does theirs.”

With timely and sustained support from the authorities, initiatives like double cropping in Khangabok have the potential to significantly strengthen the state’s agricultural foundation and contribute meaningfully to its economic growth.