Imphal: Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday launched a new alternative Farming System for Tribal Jhumias/Poppy Planters in Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Noney, Tamenglong, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal and Chandel District of Manipur here.
He also distributed Rabi Crops seeds nursery items and tools and equipment to 17 registered farmers societies from Senapati, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Kamjong, Ukhrul, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Tamenglong and Noney.
Biren raised concern on the impact of global warming adding that the State’s weather pattern has changed.
He cited large scale deforestation and setting up of big industries as reasons for change in climate and sprung of new diseases.
He continued that humans have now become selfish, thinking only for ourselves and no concern for our future generations.
Mentioning the theme of India’s G20 Presidency “One Earth One Family One Future”, Biren stated that India has taken up various measures to conserve nature and the environment. It is time for us to think of our future generation, he added.
The Chief Minister said that the items which were distributed today might have less monetary value, however, it has much value considering its importance.
He spoke on the importance of carrying out terrace cultivation instead of Jhum cultivation with technical support.
The chief minister also informed that the State Government has started providing alternative crops for poppy planters adding that the State Government is aiming to achieve Green Manipur.
He expressed happiness to see that many societies had come up with an Alternative Farming System in hill areas adding that it is the beginning for development of horticulture products and enhance the livelihood of the people of hill areas.
Biren appealed to the Farmers Society to carry out plantations of crops systematically so as to get better yield and contribute to the development of the economy. He assured that the State Government would provide necessary support to the society.
Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Letpao Haokip stated that the State had witnessed less production in hill areas and as such the Chief Minister had taken up various initiatives to promote horticulture products in hill areas.
The State has been depending on other states for various household products. Proper plantation in the hill region can substitute our import for necessary household products, he added.
He stressed the need to grow high value products and added that this could help in enhancing the earning of the people. He informed that training would be given in phase manner for cultivation of high value products.
He appealed to the farmers society to use the distributed products suitably and work sincerely to make the State self-reliant.
