Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 05:
Agriculture Minister N Loken has categorically stated that he has no objection as such to penalising any Ministers or officials found misusing the developmental fund.
Speaking as chief guest of the Farmers' Field Day observance function at the complex of ICAR, North East Manipur Region at Lamphelpat today, the Minister said the benefit of the schemes and the fund released by the Centre for the development and welfare of the farmers do not reach the targeted beneficiaries.
So, the Minister said, he felt ashame of himself even if he is in the Government.
As a matter fact, the Minister hasten to clarify that the Ministers and MLAs have not been able to perform their duties efficiently due to various undue pressures and disturbances from all quarters.
So instead of just putting the blame on the Govt, there is the need on the part of the people to raise voice against those who are responsible for interfering in the developmental works, he said.
The Minister also announced that the Crop Competition which has not been able to organise for the last many years would be held from this year and the pending prizes of the competitions held in the past would be distributed.
Acknowledging the contribution of the farmers in the society, Minister Loken lauded the efforts being made by ICAR for development of agriculture and increasing its produce.
Former Minister Francis Ngajokpa and retired IAS officer and Agricultural Scientist who develops KD variety of paddy Khuraijam Dhiren were guests of honour of the function which was presided over by Director of ICAR North East Region Dr SV Ngachan.
Soil health cards and seeds were distributed to the farmers coming from different parts of the State at the occasion.