Exploring the Scope of Agro-based Industries in Manipur and the Miracle of Chakhao

This research contribution attempts to study the role that agro-based industry as well as multi-farming in improving the agricultural sector in Manipur, India. Till now, farmers in the remote North-eastern state of Manipur have been using traditional methods of farming. However, with increasing population and due to lack of awareness towards efficient utilization of land resource, farmers in the state are struggling to keep this sector sustainable. It is thus the need of the hour to make farming economically viable in Manipur so that the food supply in the region is not adversely affected. Manipur also produces several local and nutritious crops like black rice or chakhao, the commercial production of which could help turn around the farming sector in Manipur towards prosperity. The properties of the black rice and how its well-planned production can augment and improve the income of the state is discussed. Presence of rich nutrients and the medicinal properties of chakhao make it a good crop for the health-conscious citizens. However, there is need for generating awareness about this crop and a simultaneous requirement of incentives for the farmers who are growing black rice, before it can become a useful cash crop for Manipur.