61-year-old poultry farmer James Gangmei, who has been in the business for nearly 20 years, described the current crisis as unprecedented. “Struggles and challenges have always been part of this trade, but we’ve never faced a shortage as severe as this,” he said.
TFM Report
Chicken farmers across Manipur are facing a dire crisis as the prolonged economic blockade along National Highway 37 (Imphal-Dimapur road) has disrupted the transportation of chicken feed, leaving stocks stranded since early October. The blockade, which was lifted just before this report was filed, has left the poultry sector in a critical state.
A media team accompanied by representatives from the Manipur Poultry Development Association (MPDA) visited chicken farms in Nungang Village, Kangpokpi district, and Toubul Village, Bishnupur district, to assess the worsening conditions. Many farms reported distressing situations where small chickens had begun turning to cannibalism due to the severe feed scarcity.
Speaking with reporters, 61-year-old poultry farmer James Gangmei, who has been in the business for nearly 20 years, described the current crisis as unprecedented. “Struggles and challenges have always been part of this trade, but we’ve never faced a shortage as severe as this,” he said. Gangmei added that the birds had stopped ovulating properly since mid-October due to the lack of proper nutrition. “Our stock is rapidly declining. The birds can’t survive on water alone, and now, they’ve started feeding on each other,” he added somberly.
To keep the birds alive, farmers have been forced to feed them oral rehydration salts (ORS) and small portions of rice—a makeshift diet that is insufficient to sustain them. Gangmei urged state authorities to take immediate action to address the crisis before the situation deteriorates further.
At another farm in Toubul, 32-year-old farmer Thoudam Priyobarta reported losing 50 to 100 chickens daily to illness or starvation. Priyobarta, who inherited the farm from his parents, said he has been trying to supplement feed with vegetables, but the measure has proven unsustainable. “The price of chicken feed has surged from Rs 2,300 per bag to Rs 3,500, making it nearly impossible for farmers to afford it consistently,” he explained.
MPDA General Secretary Chongthan Dhrubatara noted that the blockade has dealt a severe blow to poultry farmers across the state. “Only those in this trade can truly understand the pain of losing birdstock,” he remarked. He pointed out that previous blockades along highways in Nagaland had already prevented farmers from stocking up on chicken feed, and the recent disruptions in Manipur have compounded the crisis.
Dhrubatara urged authorities to address the issue urgently, stressing that a swift resolution is essential to alleviate the suffering of Manipur’s poultry farmers. “These farmers are boxed into a corner, struggling to survive. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further devastation in the industry,” he appealed.