Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated that the use of biofertilizers towards achieving total organic farming in the country is one of the key components of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
The Chief Minister made the above statement while attending the inauguration of Bioreactor Unit for Biofertilizer Production at the CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research)–North East Institute of Science & Technology, Branch Laboratory at Lamphelpat, Imphal, today.
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has initiated various schemes/programs in various sectors to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047. He stressed that using biofertilizers in farming will also contribute towards building a healthier India. He cautioned that the use of chemical fertilisers in farming is not only harmful to human health but also degrades soil fertility.
Highlighting Sikkim’s achievements in organic farming, Khemchand Singh said that Sikkim was declared India’s first organic state in 2016 and has continued to maintain its organic status till now. He informed that in Manipur, organic farming has already started in around 400 hectares of agricultural land and another 400 hectares would be brought under organic cultivation for which the Agriculture Department is working diligently towards achieving the target.
Regarding the distribution of bioreactor units, he stated that the beneficiaries should make proper use of the units and work diligently to reach out the produce of biofertilizer to the people of the State. He expressed that, the vision of making Manipur a fully organic state could be achieve through collective efforts.
Prof. VM Tiwari, Director, CSIR- North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat stated that since the last many decades, CSIR has been contributing to the society through scientific researches. The organisation has also largely been contributing in the skill development programs. In Manipur during the last 7-8 years, CSIR Mission has been implemented in the State effectively, he added.
The Chief Minister also planted an Avocado (Persia Americana Mill) sapling under the campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”.
The programme also witnessed the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between CSIR-NEIST and two incubates of Manipur viz. Sagolsem Nimaichand Singh, General Secretary, Farmers Based Organization (FBO) and Ningombam Arunkumar Singh, M/s Global Bio Solutions, Thangal Bazar, Imphal.
The inaugural programme was attended by scientist, staff of CSIR- North East Institute of Science & Technology and farmers among others.
