As climate change continues to pose serious threats to agricultural production and destabilize farmers’ livelihoods, communities in Manipur’s Ukhrul district are turning to a more resilient crop: millets. The close affinity our forefathers shared with nature is making more sense now as traditional crops like paddy have witnessed significant declines in yield. Last year, paddy production in the region fell by 45 to 50 percent, causing immense hardship for local farmers.
One such farmer, 67-year-old K. Shangam from Chingjaroi village, has shifted his focus to cultivating millet crops. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the potential of millets, which are not as affected by climate changes. Shangam has relied on selling his agricultural products at local markets, where the concept of supply and demand is less rigid. For him, and many others in his community, farming is more about sustenance and sharing rather than profit.
Born into a farming family, Shangam enjoyed working alongside his parents in the fields. Reflecting on the shift from paddy to millets, he said, “We have to embrace change and cannot reverse the clock.” His decision to grow millets was influenced by a training and awareness program initiated by the Manipur state Agriculture Department and the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change. Shangam expects to harvest at least 50 tins of millet this season, recalling how, in the past, over 90 percent of farmers grew this resilient crop alongside paddy, ensuring food security for years.
However, challenges remain, such as bird predation on the crops. Shangam urges the concerned departments to educate more farmers on the benefits of millets. He also notes a worrying decline in river currents and forest cover, warning that continued environmental degradation could have dire consequences.
Grace Thumrah, another millet grower from Lunghar village, reports positive results with her millet crops, highlighting their resilience compared to other vegetables and crops. She echoes the sentiment that millets, once forgotten, are now recognized for their health benefits and climate resilience, prompting a renewed interest among farmers.
The Manipur government has launched the “Promotion of Millet” scheme under the State Agriculture Department, including initiatives such as farmer cluster formations, training programs, seed accessibility, and crop protection assistance. The Directorate of Environment and Climate Change has also been active in promoting millet cultivation as part of climate-resilient agriculture.
Scientists support the shift to millets, noting their suitability for tropical and sub-tropical climates and their ability to thrive in various soil types with minimal water and nutrient requirements. Millets, often termed “nutri-cereals,” provide essential nutrients and are highly tolerant to drought and extreme conditions, making them ideal for current and future agricultural challenges.
In Manipur, traditional varieties like Job’s tear (Ngum), Sorghum (Chanan), and Finger millet (Lan) have been grown in small pockets for years. Successful trials for other millet varieties have also been conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Lamphelpat, indicating a promising future for millet cultivation in the region.
As farmers like Shangam and Thumrah adapt to changing climatic conditions, millets offer a sustainable and resilient alternative, ensuring food security and stability for their communities.
Edited by Dr. Brijendra Kumar Mishra, (Disaster Risk Reduction Expert)