AMPFA celebrates foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 09 2012:
All Manipur Progressive Farmers Association (AMPFA) celebrated its 14th foundation day at the conference hall of the association located at Keishampat today.
Gift presentation to the farmers and speech by dignitaries and invitees were the main activities of the foundation day celebration.
G Shamu Kabui, joint Director Planning, Department of Agriculture, Joy Nongmaithem, president AMPFA and Ph Rajendro Singh, deputy director, soil chemist, Department of Agriculture were the chief guest, president and guest of honour of the celebration.
Speaking at the occasion, G Shamu said that the Agriculture Department has started focus on the developmental aspects of the farmers of the State.
Before some 5-6 years, due to the lack of committed officers in the Department, the farmers were facing various problems in getting benefits and supports, he added.
He maintained that the department has planned to provide various techniques of farming to the farmers which could increase the agricultural products.
Highlighting the State's economic sustainability is depend on the farmers, the chief guest also asserted that the overall economic development of the State should be possible only when the farmers of valley and hill regions cooperate each other.
The Department has also a plan to develop a marketing policy in the State which could eventually help the farmers in dealing with their products, added the chief guest.
Deputy Director, soil chemist, Dept of Agriculture Ph Rajendro said that the State Govt should take initiative to develop specific policy for the welfare of the farmers.
He also further expressed that the utilisation of agriculture lands in the construction of Government and private buildings should be prohibited under the law as it could compromise the productivity of the agricultural works in the State.
AMPFA president, Joy Nongmaithem mentioned that the irrigation system in the State should be kept in properly in order to overcome the problem of water scarcity during the cultivation period.
Mentioning the importance of having an FCI godown to keep the local products, he further urged the authority concerned to take initiative on the said matter at the earliest.