Imphal, February 27: Outlining state Government's programme to supply improved variety of crop seeds Agriculture Minister K Ranjit called upon the farmers to apply scientific method while instructing Agriculture Department officials to establish constant touch with the farmers to share their grievances.

Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of the Soil Testing Laboratory at Bishnupur district headquarters today, Ranjit mooted that rather than confine within the comfort of office rooms Agriculture Department officials should undertake field visits to propagate advancement in agricultural technologies.

Taking note of State farmer's reluctance to consult agriculture experts thereby relying on methods practised since ages the Minister desired that Department officials should take the initiatives to approach the farmers in order to increase productivity.

Observing that cultivation sites have been afflicted by a serious disease, Ranjit appealed to the farmers to harvest opportunities extended by the newly opened laboratory.

Regretting that due to certain intra-department differences the laboratory could not be opened earlier the Minister cited defiance by officials of District Transport and Sports offices located at the building of Bishnupur district Agriculture office to shift to an alternative site.

Substantiating the accusation Ranjit said the two departments through official procedure had urged for attachment of respective offices within the Agriculture Department's premises that was duly complied with a time frame clause.

But when they were asked to shift neither departments reciprocated positively constraining Agriculture Department to take the matter to relevant authorities, he said.

The Minister also deplored that a particular department had even processed for procurement of land documents at the same premise which he described as unhealthy practice and unfavorable for development of the State.

He also warned for legal action against the concerned department in case they do not shift from the complex at the earliest.

Coming to the inauguration function, Ranjit said State Government has dedicated the laboratory, the third of its kind in the State, to the people of Bishnupur district for which responsibility to safeguard and protect the office should be handled by the people.

Calling upon the farmers to test soil texture of their respective paddy fields and apply fertilizers in consultation with the laboratory experts, the Minister also assured supply of lime free of cost.

On proposed assistance to the farmers, he said efforts are on to supply 129 metric tonne of improved seeds (paddy) and high yielding sugarcane variety (Dhanashree) suitable to soil condition of Manipur to the State farmers.

In his presidential address, IFC Minister N Mangi observed that only when the State agriculturists and agriculture scientists works with dedicate will the State march progressively in terms of adequate foodgrain stocks.

Acknowledging indispensability of Agriculture and irrigation Department relationships, Mangi said demands of Bishnupur Kha-Farmers' Association's for irrigation facilities have been set into motion.

RD & PR Minister N Loken speaking as the guest of honour said attributed all developmental activities pursued in the State under the spectre of Central Sponsored schemes as the Manipur Govt is not in a position to take the initiatives due to fund paucity.

He, however, regretted that some MLAs and MPs have been wrongly informing the Centre of fund misuse by the State Govt resulting in New Delhi ceasing funds for several welfare projects.

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