“The government needs to support the substitution of Opium by Elephant Foot Yam in Tonzan Township” said U Thawng Kho Mang, Chin State MP from Tonzan. He said “we conducted field trips and the Opium plantation was asked to destroy but they had financial difficulties. Even If the financial support was not granted at this moment, the costs for survival should be provided for 3 to 6 month as an example. I have conducted twice time organizing trips and they all agreed. Related with above matter, project of Elephant Foot Yam plantation and destruction of opium field in Wa region need to apply in Tonzan, the response was given by the ministry in State Parliament to the question raised by U Thawng kho Mang from Tonzan constituency.

 “In order to initiate, the destruction poppy can only be done with the project of Ministry” said U Thawng Kho Mang. The plan has come to exist but the implementation would be started in 2020. It would not be easy to destroy the opium unless the parliament takes the initiate of opium substitution. The substitution would be achieved after organizing trips have been done.  We cannot let them continue, despise the plan is not agreed. If it is continuous, there will be many side effects. There are 1320 Acres in 2015 -2016 and 6925 acres in 2017. Chief Ministry Salai Lian luai said on the drug destruction ceremony which was held on 26th June that 134 acres were destroyed in 2018 – 2019.