World Soil Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 05 2018:
Agriculture Director, Pheiroijam Rajendro has said that farmers should perform soil testing of their respective fields at least once ayear for better crop production.
Rajendro said this during a "World Soil Day" observance at the conference hall of Agriculture Directorate, Sanjenthong today.
Pheirojam Raj endro who graced the function as chief guest said that most farmers of the State don't conduct soil testing because of their lack of knowledge about its importance in farming.
The public especially farmers are concerned only about good seeds, insecticide, pesticides and fertilizers, he added.
He also maintained that a scheme titled "Mission Organic Value Chain Development of North East Region" was implemented in 2015 to promote organic farming in the region but on the contrary the demand for chemical fertilizers are increasing in the last few years.
Saying that the soil heath is declining in both the hills and valley of the State, he urged the farmers to give up the habit of stubble burning after harvesting and start planting other vegetation to save the soil from further deterioration.
He stated that the vast practice of jhum cultivation in hill districts also need special attention as the practice not only degrade the soil health but also make the surface run off.
Agriculture Minister, V Hangkhanlian is currently at Delhi with two project proposals and will meet the Union Agriculture Minister to discuss the problem of jhuming and poppy cultivation in the State, Rajendro said.
He also urged the farmers to take advantage of various schemes launched by the Government.
The event was also attended by Agriculture Deputy Director (Soil Chemist) L Irabot and Joint Director, Y Shyam as president and guest of honour respectively along with several District Agriculture Officers and farmers.
During the function, the presidium members distributed soil health cards to the farmers.