Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 18:
Horticulture Minister Gaikhangam has said that efforts are being made to convert the Horticulture complex at Mantripukhri into a Hi-Tech Model Horticulture Farm as part of the Technology Mission for development of Horticulture and to tab the rich Horticultural potential of the State.
Talking to The Sangai Express at his office chamber today, Gaikhangam said that the proposed Hi-Tech Model Horticulture Farm is the first of its kind in the whole of North East and it is expected to be inaugurated within March.
There would be Tissue Culture Unit for producing better varieties of seeds and saplings of fruit plants besides a Bio-Control Laboratory for producing bio control agents.
The farm would also have facilities like green house, shade net houses, etc to ensure that the seeds and saplings produced are free from pests, he added.
Once the activities of the farm commenced, there would be no need for importing germ free seeds of different varieties of fruit plants from Shimla any more.
Instead, Manipur would be able to provide better quality seeds to other NE States, the Minister said with optimism.
The Minister informed that scientists are conducting experiment to produce high quality oranges suitable to the soil of Manipur with Central assistance.
To encourage orange growers, the State Govt would ensure organising Orange Festival at the State level every year, the Minister said, adding that, henceforth, the festival would be organised in collaboration with Tourism Dept.
The Minister further informed that construction of a godown of Horticulture Department is being taken up on a war footing at Thoubal District.