UCM president calls for promotion of indigenous sports at farmers' training program
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 04 2022:
In continuation of their campaign to bring about a self-sufficient Manipur in terms of food production, United Committee Manipur in association with the Agriculture Department and the Horticulture Department organised a 'One day farmers' training program' at Okram Mamang Leikai community hall yesterday.
As per a statement issued by UCM, the program was attended by Okram Inaotombi Devi, former Councillor, Thoubal Municipal Council as the chief guest; Joychandra Konthoujam, president UCM as the functional president and Yanglem Chaoba Singh, advisor Okram Youth Club as the guest of honour.
Meanwhile, Sagolsem Sumangol Singh, retd SMS KVK Thoubal and Samom Bidyaluxmi, BTM, ATMA Bishnupur as the resource persons of the program.
Speaking on the occasion, UCM secretary general highlighted the importance of achieving self-sufficiency in food production.
He claimed that in the past Manipur was a place brimming with fertile lands and rivers and did not depend on others for their food.
He added that farmers should adopt beneficial age-old practices of their forefathers such as preserving food items.
The secretary general also pointed out the need to conserve soil fertility during his speech.
Joychandra Konthoujam also addressed the gathering and stressed on the need to safeguard the indigenous culture and traditions of the numerous communities living in the State.
Aside from this, he also underscored the need to promote indigenous sports such as "mukna, hiyang tanaba, yubi lakpi, mukna kangjei, sagol kangjei, thang-ta etc" .
In this regard, he lauded the recently concluded Sangai festival for its promotion of local indigenous culture, dance, sports, cuisine and so on.
He further expressed hope that such a rich cultural festival that draws in many tourists will continue to be organised every year without fail.
Towards the end of the day's training program, seeds of winter crops were distributed to the participating farmers.