Farmers' fair-cum-exhibition begins at ICAR
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 30 2015 :
A two day farmers' fair-cum- exhibition jointly organised by five Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Imphal West, Chandel, Ukhrul , Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts was inaugurated today by JC Ramthanga, Principal Secretary (Hort), Govt of Manipur at ICAR Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat.
In his inaugural speech as the chief guest, JC Ramthanga stated that farmers of the State should work harder and come forward to avail facilities under various schemes of horticulture and soil conservation for which proposal amounting to Rs 50 crore has been submitted under Horticulture Mission.
Further, he suggested that line departments of Agriculture, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Fishery, ICAR and KVKs should work together for the ultimate benefit of the farmers.
Kh Memcha Devi, Director, Fishery who attended the inaugural session as the guest of honour stated that fishery farmers produce only 28,000 MT of fish per annum and there exists 12000 MT deficit in fish production for which the department is formulating policies and programmes.
But due to paucity of fund, much progress is not made.
In his presidential speech, Dr N Prakash , Joint Director, ICAR Manipur Centre stated that the fair-cum -exhibition is being organised to showcase the new technologies.
Farmers of Manipur are still growing crops with indigenous techniques.
Farmers of Ukhrul have successfully taken up plantation crops like kiwi and other crops.
Further, he declared that Kachai Lemon Community Farmers is going to get Rs 10 lakh award this year.
Critical inputs were distributed to the farmers present and farmers � scientists' interaction was also held.
Dr I Meghachandra Singh, Principal Scientist (Seed Technology) delivered the welcome address while SK Raman, Programme Coordinator, KVK Imphal West gave the vote of thanks.
A total of 18 stalls were exhibited by Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Imphal West, Chandel, Ukhrul, Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts, progressive farmers, ATMAs (Agriculture Technology Management Agencies) and private entrepreneurs.