Imphal, September 28: Three soil testing centres will be opened shortly at the District Agricultural Offices of Imphal West, Churachandpur and Chandel districts, said Agriculture Minister N Loken while launching Rabi Crop campaign at Kabowakching.

Although soil testing centres have already been opened for Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts, these centres are still unable to perform their designated tasks properly.

As such, soil testing and other related activities are being done at Mantripukhri for present, conveyed Loken.

To ensure soil testing facility to the left out districts, a mobile team of the Agricultural Department will be constituted very soon.

The team will go to different places and conduct soil testing there.

Besides identifying crops suitable for soil types of each place, the team will also recommend methods and ways of cultivation to enhance soil fertility.

Acknowledging the considerable quantity of tomato produced at Kabowakching, the Agriculture Minister assured that a cold storage facility to preserve tomatoes will be installed there in 2008-09.He also declared that crops competitions will be held at district and state levels from 2007-08.The first three winners of State level crop competition will be awarded cash incentives of Rs 30,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively, announced Loken.

The cash prizes for district level crop competition will be Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.

As for the prizes for winners of crop competition held earlier, the same will be distributed while giving away prizes of State level crop competition, said Loken.

Treated seeds for rabi crops will be made available to farmers from October and 50 pump sprayers will also be distributed to farmers, he stated.

Speaking on the occasion of launching Rabi Campaign as guest of honour, Agriculture Commissioner Letkhogin Haokip assured that the Department will put its best efforts to conduct soil testing all over the State.

Among others, the function was also attended by Joint Director of Agriculture Department RK Nayansana and Agriculture Officer (Chemistry) Ph Rajendra.

With proper treatment of seeds for cultivation of potatoes, cabbage, peas and other crops in addition to paddy, the State Agriculture Department is expecting a better harvest from this year's rabi season.

Comment