Churachandpur, July 29 -- Manipur's previously thriving agricultural lands are now hauntingly quiet, reflecting the anxieties and doubts that have engulfed its farming communities since ethnic strife began in May 2023.

Once vital to the state's economy and the source of income for over 60% of its residents, agriculture in Manipur is currently suffering from the effects of ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki groups. Lush farmlands have transformed into no-man's-lands characterised not by farming equipment and crops, but by barricades and trepidation.

In the village of Ujungmakhong in Churachandpur district, the harshness of this predicament is evident. Farmers like Kaiminlien have been unable to access their fields for almost tw...