EGM leads Agar tree plantation drive
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 11 2018: SEEDS, Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) and Directorate of Environment jointly conducted Agar plantation today at Green Park, SEEDS complex, Mangra Ching.

Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar, Manipur Tourism Cooperation Chairman Dr S Ranjan, EGM president Khogendra Khomdram and Director of the Directorate of Environment Dr Y Nabachandra led the agar plantation.

Speaking on the sideline of the agar plantation, Shyamkumar conveyed that the event is part of the Government's initiative/policy of cultivating agar plantation in the State, particularly on the deforested/barren hills and areas of the State.

He informed that the agar plantation is being conducted in various parts of the State under a policy/scheme of the State Government after an MoU was signed between the State and the Government of Laos through its delegates who participated in the last Sangai Festival.

Continuing that the Government of Laos had asked the State Government to supply Agar, Shyamkumar observed that 'successful Agar plantation in the State could give huge benefits to the cultivators, particularly the unemployed youths.

An agar tree costs Rs 20000 to 1 lakh, he said.

This can be a sustainable means of livelihood for many people and an alternative to poppy and ganja cultivation in the State.

This programme will also contribution in conservation of environment.

The respective land owners will look after and nurture the Agar trees planted under the policy of the Government, he added.

Observing that tapping potentials is lacking in the State although the State has rich potentials for tourism, Ranjan who is also the MLA of Konthoujam AC asserted that the potentials of the place will be explored and considered for doing the needful works to develop tourism.

Khogendra Khomdram who is the Editor of The Sangai Express (Manipuri Edition) stated that with the EGM taking the main responsibility, the Agar plantation was held in association with SEEDS.

Maintaining that SEEDS is an organization engaged in many activities, he claimed that the Agar plantation was held with the main objective of contributing towards the effort of maintaining the ecological balance in the State besides boosting the economy of the State.

He informed that the EGM and SEEDS are working towards developing a central park called 'Green Park' at Sangaithel.

The park will be opened to public soon, he said.

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