Need for green revolution in NE stressed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 11 2017:
Lamenting that the North East States of India, including Manipur are relying on imported food from mainland India still today, L Baite, Additional Principal CCF and OSD (Forest and Environment) has today called upon the people of Manipur and North East as a whole for bringing an agricultural transformation (green revolution) in the region, particularly Manipur.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the "Regional Orientation Workshop for Field Officers on Special Outreach Programme on the Flagship Schemes/Pro- grammes of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Wei- fare" at the conference hall of
the Department of Agriculture, Sanjenthong.
It was or- ganized by the Directorate of Field Publicity (Ministry of Information and Broadcast- ing, Government of India), Regional Office of Nagaland,
Kohima.
Baite further observed that agricultural activities in Manipur need to be nurtured with introduction of appropriate mechanization and latest agricultural equipment.
Reminding that major portions of North East are hilly areas, he said the agricultural activities in the hill areas shun agricultural tools and equipment as they (tools and equipment) are not compatible for womenfolk who constitute the larger portion of the agriculture workforce in the region.
This is a major factor for not enhancing the agricultural products in the State, Baite pointed out while opining that the State needs invention of women friendly agricultural tools and equipment.
He also underscored the need to introduce high yielding seed varieties that are suitable to the soil and terrains of North East Region.
Noting that the role of media in highlighting the problems faced by the fanners to the larger audience and the mainstream is important, Baite reminded that media have also the paramount responsibility of disseminating useful information about agriculture and the benefits available under agricultural related schemes and projects in the country so that the benefits can reach the farmers.
Giving the keynote address, Regional Director of DFP (Nagaland and Manipur), Mangjangam Touthang informed that Government of India is giving high priority to the development of agriculture in the country.
With this the Government of India has taken up various initiatives with the implementation of several schemes and projects for the welfare of farmers and to boost agricultural sector in the country, he said.
Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving due emphasis on thriving agricultural sectors in the country, Touthang stated that the main objective of organizing today's programme is to equip the Field Officers of North East Region, particularly for Manipur and Nagaland with the update and latest knowledge on the flagship schemes/programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture with special focus,on Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Soil Health Card.
Maintaining that the success of any Government developmental programmes and schemes largely depend on mutual cooperation between people and Government, he claimed that DFP acts as a bridge between the people and the Government.
Ak Chittaranjan Singh, Nodal Officer (II), Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur and Khuraijam Hera Singh, SMS, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Imphal West also shared the dais as resource persons.
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