Governor calls for enhancing Agri production
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 18 2011: The aim of the agriculture researchers, extension workers and policy makers should be to stimulate attitudes and actions which should result in asserting agricultural progress in terms of improvement in the income of farm families, not only to meet their consumption requirements but also to enhance their capacity to invest in farm related activities, Governor Gurbachan Jagat has observed.

Inaugurating the Central Agricultural University (CAU) Agri Fair, 2011, which would go on for three days, along with First Lady of the State Kiran Jagat at the ground of Agriculture College, Iroisemba today, the Governor pointed out that this can be achieved only when we make the provision of quality seeds, irrigation, power, machinery and implements, fertilisers and credit at affordable rates in adequate quantities for farmers and to provide appropriate price and trade policy mechanism to enhance farmer's income.

It is in view of this that agriculture has been accorded top priority in the country, he said, adding that Mega Seed Projects, National Horticulture Mission and National Innovation Projects are important initiatives of the Central Government for development of agricultural production in the region.

Governor Gurbachand Jagat and other officials inspecting the stalls of CAU Agri Fair, 2011 which opens on Monday

The Governor also noted that in the present context of agriculture and the problems faced by the farmers, the theme of the fair, 'Agricultural technologies and farm innovations for prosperity of the North East region' is timely and appropriate in the quest for enhanced growth in the hill regions not only for enhanced productivity, but also for improvement in sustainability, stability, equity, that will elevate the quality and value addition for making agriculture more remunerative and improve the quality of life of the farmers.

Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing, Lok Sabha MP Dr Thokchom Meinya, Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat and Vice Chancellor of CAU Dr SN Puri were also present at the occasion.

The dignitaries distributed Paddy seeds and one-day old Chicks to selected farmers at the occasion which also saw Governor Gurbachan Jagat releasing a souvenir, Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat released one farm magazine, Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing releasing one research newsletter and Lok Sabha MP Dr Meinya releasing a compendium.

In their addresses, Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing pointed out that there are various schemes and projects of the Central Government which the farmers can make use of.

Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat noted that inspite of rapid advance in crop productivity, faster population growth poses a great problem to agriculture in the State.

Jhum agriculture, improper water management, mono-cropping, soil acidity, etc are major problems, which should be given due attention, Minister Parijat said, while exhorting the scientists of the University to suggest appropriate technologies for the problems.