Imphal, April 22 -- A community-based initiative aimed at curbing illicit poppy cultivation and promoting sustainable livelihoods has been launched in Manipur's Churachandpur district, with support from a Chennai-based firm under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

The project, titled 'HinChi' (Seeds of Life), has been initiated by the Narcotics Control Bureau in partnership with the Manipur Police. It seeks to encourage farmers to shift from poppy cultivation to alternative cash crops such as ginger, peas and banana.

Under the initiative, Rs 28 lakh has been provided by Segula Technologies to support the transition in vulnerable areas identified for poppy cultivation.

Officials said three sensitive regions in Churacha...