Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, January 05 2010:
Proper care and dedication towards plantation of seasonal crop 'mustard' would generate more income than one may assume, said a mustard cultivator of Awang Potsangbam, Imphal East district.
An average income of about Rs 30,000 in four months can be earned by a mustard farmer in Awang Potsangbam area.
Mustard, locally called 'hangam' in Manipuri is the favourite of the people in the state.
Its leaves are consumed in various forms.
Interacting with Newmai News Network this morning, N Ibetombi informed that one farmer easily earns Rs.30,000 in four months.
Income is being generated from the mustard by selling the new mustard leaves and its seed for oil, added Ibetombi.
She further stated there is a fall in the productivity of the mustards this year as compared to the previous years owing to the less rainfall and changes in climatic condition.
She also informed that the mustard leaves are sold in the field itself as the customers throng in the fields and start purchasing before being transported to markets.
Interestingly, Awang Potsangbam area along the NH-39 is said to be a fertile soil for growing the mustards and famous for the good quality mustards.
It is located on the bank of Imphal River.
Moreover, mustard's botanical name is 'Brassica Campestris' .
Its farmers are doing brisk business in all over the state.
A period between November and March is the right season to cultivate the mustard.
Many unemployed youths have started working in their own farms and fields.
While speaking to NNN, one unemployed youth named Ch.
Sanjay of Awang Potsangbam revealed that an income of more than Rs.30,000 is being generated from the plantation of mustards.
He revealed his desire to get a white collar job.
But because of the financial crunch he is just struck in the agricultural works, added the youth.