CAU training programme notes farmers' plight
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 04 2012:
A two-day training programme on 'Contingency Planning and Strategic Management during extreme Weather Situation' has commenced from today at the Mini Auditorium of College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University.
Inaugural session of the training programme organised by Directorate of Extension Education, CAU was held with Dean of College of Agriculture Dr N Iboton Singh, Director of Extension Education Dr M Premjit Singh and Director of Research, CAU Dr M Rohinikumar Singh as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
In his address as the chief guest, Dr Iboton stated that with steady rise in temperature the only constant change being witnessed throughout the world for the past many years the ongoing trend is posing great challenge to agricultural workers as quantum of seasonal rainfall could no longer be predicted.
To be prepared for any eventuality by the agricultural workers consequent to decline or excess in the rainfall infrastructure to harvest rain-water needs to be developed with great urgency, suggested the chief guest.
Maintaining that for sustaining agricultural activities in a successful manner, especially in Manipur where crops depend heavily on rainfall, there should be effective and long-term planning, he prevailed upon the State authorities to develop a viable irrigation system to overcome problem of rain-water deficiency.
Referring to various rivers running through the valley pockets as natural sources of water to facilitate development of river lift irrigation projects, Dr Iboton also called upon the agricultural scientists to develop food crops which could be grown with minimal water.
With regard to present situation of rainfall shortage hampering plantation of paddy crop at different parts of the State, he suggested cultivation of alternative crops through consultation with subject experts.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr M premjit said that participants of the training programme should strive to translate in action knowledge gained from resource persons.
As resource persons on the opening day of the training programme, Dr L Nabachandra elaborated on 'Weather aberration in rainfed agriculture issues and strategies', Dr RK Tombisana on 'Management of problematic crop diseases during drought/flood-like situation', Dr Edwin Luikham on 'Management of rice under delayed planting and moisture stress' and Dr A Herojit on 'Nutrient management in rice under abnormal planting during drought/flood-like situation' .