Ukhrul, September 30: Ukhrul district is all set to attain the unique distinction of becoming an �organic district� where the farmers would do away with the application of Chemical fertilisers and pesticides completely and adopt organic farming.

A two-day workshop on �Development of Ukhrul as Organic District� which was held from September 28 to 29 at Union Baptist Church, Phungreitang has also unanimously adopted a resolution to ban the use and sale of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the district.

The workshop held under the aegis of Ukhrul District Community Resource Management Society (UDCRMS)/International Food and Agriculture Development (IFAD) was attended by 30 village chiefs, 100 representatives of Non-Resource Management Societies, DLOs, NGOs, etc and 10 special invitees.

CMO Ukhrul Ahuisung Keitang, District Agriculture Officer, Ukhrul Louis Ngasainao and District Horticulture, Ukhrul AS Ningmi were resource persons of the workshop.

The resource persons highlighted and discussed the issues related to application of chemical pesticides and its effect on the health and environment, advantages and disadvantages and importance of Bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides in agricultural activities.

They also demonstrated on how to prepare Wood-Vinegar, a type of Bio-Pesticide and on preparing farm manure/compost from easily available household wastes.

Generally, the farmers in Ukhrul district do not use chemical fertilizers in cultivation and such usage is practically nil.

According to Agriculture and the Horticulture Officers used of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in Ukhrul district is negligible in comparison to other districts of the State after the implementation of the Project on �Promoting Organic Farming� under the initiative of UDCRMS/IFAD.

The demonstration on preparing Vermi-compost and Bio-composting are being taken up in the farms located at different parts of the district along with introduction of the Wood-Vinegar (Bio-pesticide) method.

Project Technical Officer of UDCRMS/IFAD Dr Selim Keishing explained that Wood-Vinegar (Bio-Pesticide) is one of the latest Technologies imported from Japan, the application of which has been widely accepted and found effective in repelling insects and other pests.

Traditionally, the farmers of the district have been using Neem leaves, bark, roots, etc as insect and pests repellants instead of chemical pesticides, Dr Selim said.

He further informed that the Agri-Processed Food products Support Development Authority (APEDA) has certified the products from the hill areas of Manipur as organic.

These items are Guava, Lemon, Orange, Pears, Pineapple, Plum, etc.

Comment