Imphal: As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Hahotsav celebration, ICAR Manipur Centre organised a “Farmers’ Field Day cum Input Distribution” today at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat.
The inaugural programme was attended by MoS for agriculture & Farmers’ welfare, the government of India, Shobha Karandlaje as chief guest.
In her address, Shobha Karandlaje encouraged farmers of northeastern states including Manipur to adopt oil palm cultivation. She said that India is currently importing 70% of oil palm for its consumption from other countries and the Central government has been trying to become self-reliant in oil palm production. The centre is giving emphasis to the northeast region to achieve the target.
The chief guest asserted that the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister has been giving special focus in agriculture and its allied sector. Keeping this in mind and being 70% of the total population of the country being farmers, the budget allocation in this sector has also increased manifolds. India is leading ahead in the export of agricultural products in the global market, she added.
Besides, her ministry is providing financial assistance to the farmers in the construction of dwelling houses. She urged the farmers of the state to avail the benefits of the schemes. The minister also assured to extend all possible assistance to the farmers of the state to enhance their income and living condition.
Earlier, on her arrival at the ICAR NEH Region, she opened Exhibition stalls of Women Agripreneurs as part of the Farmers’ Field Day cum Input Distribution. The Exhibitions based on Women Entrepreneurs was participated by 11 women based Exhibitors. The minister also distributed critical inputs to few selected farmers of Manipur during the function while it is reported that more than 300 farmers from across the state received critical inputs. As part of the programme, the chief guest released publication of Agro based products.
Farmers’ Field Day was organised with the theme “Rice Field Day” to showcase eleven rice varieties including three newly released rice varieties during the programme.
Commissioner (Agriculture), Govt. of Manipur M. Joy Singh, Vice Chancellor, CAU, Imphal Dr. Anupam Mishra and Joint Secretary (Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, government of India), Dr Vijayalakshmi Nadendla, agriculture & farmers’ welfare, government of India attended the function as Guest of Honour while Kh Nabakumar Singh, member of ICAR general body was the president of the function.
