Takhelmayum Leibakmacha and Takhelmayum Ibomcha Singh of Pukhao Laipham Makha Leikai village in Manipur are successful vegetable farmers reaping handsome profits.
Agriculture is the dominant occupation of people of Manipur and is the main source of their livelihood.
In 2001, the duo started vegetable farming at their half an acre of land. Later, they took 2.5 acres of barren land on lease after the rise in demand of vegetables.
They grow tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, brinjal and many other vegetables and generate an average income of Rs. 7 to Rs.8 lakhs per annum.
Leibakmacha and Ibomcha also provide jobs to locals during the peak-farming season.
"By next year, we are planning to do only organic farming and we will produce more varieties of vegetables because we feel that if we do only organic farming then we will get more benefit and our marketing will also be good. So by next year we will produce more varieties of vegetables," said Takhelmayum Ibomcha Singh, progressive farmer
The brothers use imported seeds to get better yield and look forward to avail various schemes and latest technologies to develop their farm.
"I want to tell the youth to take up this kind of work. Instead of going here and there, in case, if there is any empty space or plot then one should take up this kind of work and should make an income for their livelihood," said Takhelmayum Leibakmacha, Farmer
Agriculture plays an important role in Manipur's economy. Such inspirational efforts will go a long way in motivating youth to undertake new ventures to become self-reliant.
