Soil Conservation in Manipur

Soil conservation in Manipur includes not only the control of soil erosion but measures like rectification of soil defects, manure and fertilizer application, irrigation, drainage, and proper crop rotation to maintain a high level of productivity. The soil of Manipur can be broadly sub divided in four orders of Inceptisols, Ultisols, Entisols and Alfisols and conservation measures in Manipur would increase the land use in general. Owing to the geography of Manipur, soil erosion is a serious problem leading to major land areas being rendered useless. Soil conservation is the only solution to avoid massive loss in the future.

Soil conservation is an absolute necessity for the alarming rate of soil erosion in the hills of Manipur. The washing away of the fertile top layer of the soil is the most extensive form prevalent in Manipur. This is because the tree cover that basically holds the soil from eroding is highly lessening. An enormous agricultural loss occurs by gully erosion and the problem would persist if immediate steps are not taken for soil conservation.

With an endeavor to save Manipur from the perils of soil erosion, the central government has sponsored the National Watershed Development Project in Rain fed Areas (NWDPRA). The state government schemes for soil conservation in Manipur would strive to provide:

• Improved infrastructure of soil and water conservation administration
• Establishing Land Use Survey and Cartography Laboratory in Manipur
• Control of Jhooming or shifting cultivation common in the hills of Manipur
• Water Harvesting Project
• Land Development program for small & marginal farmers