Imphal, October 18 2008: Farmers in Manipur have expressed strong reservation against any move to cancel the developmental schemes including setting up of Model Seed Villages being implemented by the Agriculture Department at the instigation of some vested interested persons.

Addressing a press conference in this regard at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, representatives of Multi-Farming and Rural Development Organisation, New Era Farmers' Union, United Club Association cum Library and Plain and Hill Development Organisation contended that the developmental schemes including setting up of Model Seed Villages being implemented by the Agriculture Department have not only benefited the farmers but also augmented the economy of the State.

In such a situation, the misinformation campaign being carried out by some vested interested persons is condemnable and the enmity among the officials of the Department should not be allow to affect the farmers of the State.

Instead of that, everyone should encourage the farmers and extend their co-operation in improving the financial condition of the State.

This would be to the benefit of all, they said.

They further pointed out that in a State like Manipur where Agriculture is the main occupation, it is impossible that the Agriculture Department would alone be able to work and bringing about any significant changes in the economy condition of the farmers and the State.

So all the related Departments should extend their co-operation with the Agriculture Department, they urged.

Reacting to the allegation that associations of the farmers are engaging the beneficiaries of the Model Seed Villages to take up cultivation by giving certain amount, the representatives asserted that there is no iota of truth in the allegation.

If there is any truth in the allegation, then proof and evidences should be produced, they demanded.

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