Malkangiri Villagers Destroy Cannabis Crop, Seek Government Support For Livelihood

In a significant step towards abandoning cannabis cultivation, villagers of Silimeta in Odisha’s Malkangiri district have voluntarily cut down and destroyed cannabis plants grown in their fields following a police awareness campaign. However, the villagers are now worried about their livelihoods and have appealed to the government for financial assistance and alternative sources of income.

The incident took place in Silimeta village in Swabhiman Anchal, under Chitrakonda block and the jurisdiction of Paparmetla police station.

Following the awareness drive, the villagers decided to destroy the cannabis plants, marking a shift away from the cultivation of the prohibited crop. However, their decision has left them facing an immediate livelihood challenge, as they say the window for sowing traditional crops such as paddy and ragi has already passed this year.

With little scope to take up these crops during the current agricultural season, the villagers fear they may struggle to arrange food and meet other essential household expenses in the coming months.

A farmer from the village said the villagers had destroyed the plants after learning about the harmful consequences of cannabis cultivation. However, he pointed out that giving up the crop without an alternative source of income had created uncertainty for their families.

“We destroyed the cannabis plants after learning about the harm they can cause. But without cultivation, we have no means of earning a livelihood. It is too late this year to grow paddy or ragi, so we are worried about how to support our families,” the farmer said.

The villagers have urged the government to extend immediate assistance and help them identify sustainable livelihood options so that they do not face financial hardship after giving up cannabis cultivation.

While the villagers’ decision to destroy the crop marks a step towards moving away from cannabis cultivation, timely government intervention could help them transition to legal and sustainable agricultural activities, the local leaders said.

The villagers hope that the administration will consider their appeal and provide support to help them tide over the current agricultural season and prepare for the next sowing cycle.