Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 02 2009:
Agriculture Minister N Loken today said that the annual production of rice in the state is likely to be shrunk by 50% this year due to scanty monsoon rains.
He said the state will encourage rabbi crops cultivation in order to deal the likelihood of food scarcity.
The Minister was speaking at the distribution function of awards at the Agriculture office, Sanjenthong to selected farmers who produced more agriculture products during the last year.
Minister N Loken noted that even as most of the fields are cultivated, there is little hope of reaping the cultivated fields due to scarcity of rains.
He said the annual production will deflate this year to half percent due to scarcity of monsoon rains.
Selected farmers who have achieved the highest production in the state as well as district-wise for the year 2008-09 were given rewards.
Longjam Ibochouba of Thoubal, who produced 10,000 kgs of rice in one hectare (pari) during the year, was honoured as the highest producing farmer of the state.
He was given a power tiller in recognition of his achievement.
Three farmers each from all the districts of the state were also rewarded.
Speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, Principal Secretary of Agriculture department O Nabakishore said benefits of crop insurance scheme will be reached to all districts of the state from next year.
In the first phase the scheme will give benefits to over 8000 farmers of Imphal West and Bishnupur districts.
Agriculture Director, RK Noyonsana, who was the functional president, said as a measure to tackle the scarcity of food next year, the department will encourage cultivation of rabbi crops during the next season.