CM inaugurates plant health clinic
Source: The Sangai Express / D1PR
Imphal, June 08 2020:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated a Plant Health Clinic at the Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Sanjenthong today.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the economic growth of the State lies in the growth of sectors like agriculture, horticulture and MSME.
Appreciating the officials of Horticulture Department, Biren said that it is indeed an encouraging initiative of the department to set up such plant clinic which would provide plant health diagnostic services to farmers.
He advised the officials of the department to conduct awareness campaigns about such clinic among the farmers.
The Chief Minister maintained that in this hour of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Government has decided to give more emphasis on agriculture and horticulture sectors in the State.
He informed that in this regard, the State Government has formed a task force to boost horticulture and agriculture sectors.
He mentioned that the priority of the Government is to make Manipur self sufficient and self reliant.
The Government has taken up all the necessary steps in this regard, he added.
Biren informed that most of the indigenous crops and fruits are disappearing due to the lack of scientific research and practices.
"We should try to avoid chemical fertilizers during cultivation of crops", he added.
He hinted that many unknown diseases might have occurred due to the usage of toxic chemicals and fertilizers.
Mentioning about COVID-19 cases in the State, the Chief Minister stated that "We have to learn to live with the virus" .
He appealed to the people to wear face masks, use hand sanitizers and maintain social distance.
Strongly condemning the act of the inmates staying in Waikhom Mani Girls College quarantine centre, Thoubal for vandalizing college properties yesterday, the Chief Minister asked the parents of the inmates to advise their wards to maintain discipline, co-operation and adhere to the SOPs issued by the Government.
Saying that in such a short period of 5 days, more than 35,000 natives have returned to the State, Biren sought cooperation and support of the people in the fight against COVID-19 .
During the function, the Chief Minister also launched a mobile soil testing laboratory van.
Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board S Rajen, Principal Secretary (Horticulture) P Vaiphei, Director (Horticulture) N Joymati Devi, Director (Agriculture) Laltanpuii Vanchhong, Director (Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Services) Dr H Chaoba and others attended the function.