Manipur’s Displaced Find Hope in Food Innovation Amid Struggles
INNOVATIONLIVELIHOOD
Imphal: In a beacon of hope for Manipur’s internally displaced persons (IDPs), Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated a pioneering Tulsi-flavored water manufacturing unit at the College of Food Technology in Lamphelpat, Imphal, on Saturday. The event, part of a broader initiative to foster livelihood opportunities, also saw the launch of new infrastructure at the College of Agriculture and the distribution of food processing equipment to IDPs, offering a pathway to self-reliance amid the state’s ongoing challenges.
The initiative comes at a critical time for Manipur, where ethnic tensions since May 2023 have displaced thousands, disrupting lives and livelihoods. Against a backdrop of deprivation and mistrust, the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, has stepped forward with training programs in food processing and entrepreneurship, aimed at empowering those uprooted by conflict. Governor Bhalla, addressing the gathering, urged the IDPs to seize these opportunities, emphasizing that skill development could pave the way for economic independence and a return to normalcy.
The Tulsi-flavored water unit, a unique venture blending tradition with innovation, symbolizes more than just a product—it represents resilience. For many IDPs, the chance to engage in such projects offers a lifeline. “This is a small step, but it feels like a big one for us,” said Thoi, a displaced resident from Churachandpur now training at CAU. “Learning to process food and start something of our own gives us hope to rebuild what we’ve lost.”
The distribution of food processing equipment—ranging from grinders to packaging tools—further equips IDPs to turn skills into sustainable income. CAU’s programs, tailored to local needs, teach participants how to process indigenous crops and create market-ready goods, fostering entrepreneurship in a region where traditional livelihoods have been upended. “We want them to not just survive but thrive,” said a CAU official, highlighting the university’s commitment to supporting Manipur’s recovery.
Governor Bhalla, in his remarks, painted a vision of unity and progress. “Manipur has faced hardships, but through collective effort and innovation, we can regain our way of life,” he said. His encouragement resonated with attendees, many of whom see these initiatives as a rare glimmer of optimism in a fractured state.
For the IDPs, the road ahead remains daunting—mistrust lingers, and basic needs often go unmet in relief camps. Yet, this event marks a tangible shift. By blending education, innovation, and practical support, Manipur is planting seeds of hope, offering its displaced citizens a chance to reclaim agency over their futures. As the aroma of Tulsi fills the air at Lamphelpat, it carries with it a quiet promise: that even in the darkest times, a new beginning is possible.