Imphal, March 20: The novel concept of community farming involving Ginger, Turmeric and King Chilly cultivation has been launched by the Gaon Boora (villager elders) of Aziuram in Tamenglong district from today.

According to PIB Defence Wing statement, the project has been launched under the initiative and assistance of 35 Assam Rifles as part of its Military Civic Action programme.

Commandant of 35 Assam Rifles Colonel IP Singh handed over 1400 kg of Ginger and Turmeric each and 1000 seeds of King Chilly worth Rs 40,000 to be sown as part of the project.

The AR also helped the villagers with technical expertise of the same.

Commandant 35 AR emphasised that it is the strength of these projects and the benefits accruing from them which are bringing about harmony and better understanding amongst the locals and the security forces, the PRO said, adding that the villagers thanked the AR authorities for all their help.

On the other hand, following the innovative concept of 'Mutual Benefit', 22 Assam Rifles has encouraged the local women SHGs at its headquarters location in Maram to utilise part of its camp area to grow ginger, according to a statement issued by PRO HQ IGAR (S).

Consequently the women SHGs of the surrounding villages cleared approx 10 hectares of thick vegetation and planted over 3000 kg ginger, which was provided free by the AR unit, it said.

The soldiers also erected perimeter fencing around the ginger farm.

As per the agreement, one third of the harvest till be utilised by the 22 AR while two third will be handed over to the SHGs, the statement said, adding that the cultivation will be expended to larger area next year.

This way both the parties will be benefited by this unique 'joint farming' initiative.

The local environment is deeply appreciative of the Commandant Col VS Malik's effort to help in the rapid socio-economic growth of Senapati district, the PRO said.

Illicit liquor seized: A permanent vehicle check post of Ist Assam Rifles seized 21 litres of country made illicit liquor and 53 bottles of Rum at Lambui from a bus along with five occupants on March 18 .

The bus was on its way from Imphal to Phungyar.

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