Minister commits to protecting agricultural land
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 03 2013: Expressing determination to uphold interest of the farmer community, Agriculture Minister Abdul Nasir has declared that the Government of Manipur will soon formulate an effective 'agricultural land policy' .

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Kharif Campaign 2013 cum State Level Krishi Mela 2013' at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen today, Minister Nasir also noted problems besieging farmers of the State consequent to global climate change as well as implication of chemical fertilizers.

Accepting that there is urgent need for purposeful utilisation of existing plantation sites rather than allowing conversion of fertile agricultural land for other commercial usage, he affirmed that an Agricultural Land Policy would soon be put in place in the State.

further stating that protecting agricultural land will not serve the purpose in case farmers do not ensure maximum usage of the same, the Agriculture Minister called upon the State farmers to contribute their mite in improving Manipur's economy.

in his address, Director (Agriculture) G Shamu Kabui pointed out that the three-day agriculture fair is being organised to enable the common public understand and acknowledge varied agricultural activities.

While highlighting that Manipur is among the best paddy production States of the country for which the Central Government recently presented Rs 2 crore award in recognition, he suggested that the State farmers continue to work with dedication for overall progress of Manipur.

Commissioner (Agriculture) Rajesh agarwal, who also spoke at the occasion, exuded confidence that gathering of farmers and subject experts in a common platform would generate healthy exchange of ideas, which will ultimately enhance agricultural productivity in the State.

He also observed that inspite of appreciable headway made in the agricultural sector a lot more need to be done with specific focus in the hill areas.

During the technical session, CAU Director Dr M premjit, director (Sericulture) H Ginjamang Simte, Director (Vety & AH) Dr Saidokhum and Director (Fisheries) K Sharat Kumar Singh elaborated on relevant issues as the resource persons.

As a part of the event, Nongmaithem Ibomcha Meitei of Kakching Laithagol Leikai, Thoubal district was presented complete set of power tiller for bagging the first position in the State Level Crop Competition on Rice Paddy 2011-12 with the second position winner Nongmeikapam (O) Shyamashakhi Devi of Ningomthong Pebiya Pandit Leikai, Imphal East awarded a Kamco power reaper and third place winner of the competition Nameirakpam joy Singh of Kyamgei Awang Leikai, Imphal East presented an 8 HP Kirloskar water pump.

Top three position winners in the district level competition were also awarded Rs 30,000; Rs 25,000 and Rs 20,000 each respectively.

The kharif campaign cum fair, organised by the Department of Agriculture, under the theme 'Use less seeds, get more grains', is being participated by 29 stall runners.

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