Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated a Two-Day National Seminar Cum Workshop on Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Farming: Health Hazards of Agro-Chemicals Use in Food Production at the Court Hall, Manipur University, Canchipur.
Addressing the inaugural function, N. Biren Singh said that no matter how many seminars or discussions are conducted, we cannot achieve success, unless we work on a mission mode with a target.
Highlighting a few achievements of the past few years, the Chief Minister lauded officials of the Horticulture and Agriculture departments and said that these officials have worked with sincerity and aggressiveness to ensure massive change in the sector.
He elaborated that the overall land covered under organic farming in the state was just 5000 hectares in 2016, which has been expanded to 37,900 hectares in 2021–22, which is almost 200 times that of 2016, with approval from the Center.
Not only this, but production has also increased from just 25,000 metric tonnes to 2,59,400 metric tonnes now, he added.
Lauding the hard work of the farmers and the capabilities of the officials, N. Biren said that Manipur can be among the top states in the country. Today, Manipur has been adjudged the “Best Improved Small State” for three consecutive years, he added.
The Chief Minister highlighted steps taken in the state to encourage farmers, saying that Rs. 80 crores has already been earmarked in the budget to buy back rice from the state’s farmers.
“We are trying to bring changes,” the Chief Minister said, stressing that “we are moving forward with opinions, advice, and suggestions from experts.”
Biren also deliberated on the issue of water scarcity in the state and expressed concern over the depleting jungle cover in the state.
He stated emphatically that if there are no forests, there will be no water in the lakes and rivers.
We are focusing on groundwater, he said, adding that the state is currently installing 550 groundwater tube wells and 375 wells.
The Chief Minister further spoke on natural and organic farming and said both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah have laid emphasis on natural and organic farming.
Biren Singh stated that a committee led by an Additional Chief Secretary has been formed as part of a Cabinet subcommittee, and that a toll-free number will be announced soon to assist and intervene in any issues raised by farmers.
Further deliberating on natural and organic farming, the Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of natural fertilizers.
He said the government has also identified a site in the Mayang Imphal area for composting phumdis from Loktak into organic fertilizer.
We are also encouraging the use of nanofertilizer instead of chemical fertilizer, he said, further highlighting the need to eradicate the use of chemical fertilisers to build a strong and healthy society.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the State will showcase women’s empowerment in the State during the March 17–18 G-20 event in the State by highlighting various achievements of the State’s women, including Ema Market, start-up women entrepreneurs, etc.
Agriculture Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh and Vice Chancellor, Manipur University, Prof. Naorem Lokendra Singh; also attended the inaugural function.
Technical sessions on various related topics will follow the inaugural function. The seminar cum workshop is being jointly organised by the Department of Economics, Manipur University, and the All Manipur Progressive Farmers’ Association (AMPFA) in collaboration with Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Manipur Centre, Imphal, the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, the Department of Fisheries, and the Directorate of Health Services.
