Imphal Sep 10 UNA: Plantation and export of Marijuana (Ganja) is likely to legalize in Manipur under certain guidelines considering its medicinal value. The Centre is communicating with Manipur government regarding the matter, an official source said Tuesday.
Plantation and export of Ganja is being banned in the state but nonetheless the same is being carried out illegally.
Ganja is producing in Manipur on a large scale and has a high demand in other parts of the country considering the quality of contraband item produced in the state.
The Central government considered that the quality of Ganja produced in Manipur is the best quality in India as the land and its climate is best suited for the plantation of the same.
Following a recent instruction from the Department of Science and Technology, government of India, authority of state council of scientific & industrial research (CSIR) has furnished a report the plantation and production of Ganja in the state.
The Department of Science and Technology, government of India called the report so as to look into the matter of declaring Manipur as the best suited place for plantation of best quality Ganja.
The CSIR, in its report to the Department of Science and Technology, government of India reportedly mentioned that Manipur has the most suitable soil and climate for the plantation of Ganja.
Even though the plantation of Ganja has been done in a secretive way since it is illegal, many of the farmers in state are expert in this business. The quality of Ganja produced in the state is the best compared to that produced in other states of the country.
Although Ganja plantation is done throughout the year, the same sown and reaped during the months from September to February is the best and there is high demand for it.
The trend of planting Ganja has been carried out in the state since early days. It is not only used in smoking but also used as medicines in curing swelling and various other infections, the source added.
Though it is quite certain that the Central authority would give its legal approval considering the medicinal aspects of Ganja, yet the legal authorization would be granted after a serious deliberation and taking into consideration of security measures as Ganja can also be misused.
The step has to be taken up in a like manner where plantation of poppy plants is legalized in some states of the country, the source added.
Though it is not clear as to when the legalization of Ganja in the state would be approved, yet considering the medicinal value of the plant, it is most likely that the approval from the Central government would be arriving at the earliest, the source hoped.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/centre-considering-for-legalization-of-plantation-of-ganja/
