Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday, 15 June launched 'Oorja', the state's own organic fertiliser brand, at a subsidised rate of ₹250 per bag — against its market price of ₹480 — during the Fertiliser Distribution Camp for Kharif 2026 at Sanjenthong, Imphal. The event, organised by the Directorate of Agriculture, signals a deliberate state-level push to wean Manipur's farming sector off chemical inputs.

What 'Oorja' Represents

The Chief Minister flagged off fertiliser distribution trucks and personally inspected an Organic Outlet Shop set up near the venue. The launch of 'Oorja' is positioned as the centrepiece of Manipur's sustainable agriculture agenda, offering farmers an affordable organic alternative at nearly half the open-market price. Singh underscored that reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers is a long-term state priority, not a one-off campaign.

Organic Farming Targets

According to Singh, approximately 4,000 hectares of land in Manipur have already been brought under organic cultivation. The government is now working to bring an additional 4,000 hectares under organic farming in the coming years, which would double the state's organically cultivated area. This gradual expansion approach reflects the logistical and agronomic challenges of transitioning subsistence farmers away from conventional inputs.

Urea Stock and Distribution Reforms

Singh also addressed concerns over fertiliser shortages, noting that around 1.8 lakh bags of urea were distributed up to September last year, even as reports of localised shortages emerged from certain areas. To prevent a recurrence, the state has restructured its distribution mechanism: fertilisers are now allocated on the basis of Aadhaar cards, farmer cards, and location-specific demand assessments to ensure fair and transparent access.

The Chief Minister confirmed that approximately 2 lakh bags of urea are currently in stock and asserted there is no shortage at present. Distribution will proceed strictly on the basis of verified documentation, with Agriculture Department officials monitoring all districts to prevent irregularities.

Farmer Grievance Mechanism

Singh appealed to farmers to report any supply-related grievances directly to the Directorate of Agriculture, committing to prompt resolution. The programme was attended by Agriculture Commissioner Thaithuilung Panmei, department officials, public representatives, farmers, and other stakeholders.

Broader Context

Manipur's push mirrors a wider national trend: several northeastern states have been actively expanding organic farming footprints, partly driven by central schemes and partly by the premium pricing organic produce commands in urban and export markets. The 'Oorja' brand, if scaled effectively, could give Manipur farmers a state-backed organic input supply chain — a gap that has historically forced smallholders to depend on informal and often adulterated markets. The next milestone to watch is whether the additional 4,000-hectare organic expansion target comes with a funded timeline.